To conserve resources, enhance efficiency and streamline judicial operations in summer vacations, the Chhattisgarh High Court has taken major steps in introducing administrative reform.The Supreme Court of India has directed the Chhattisgarh High Court to implement significant administrative changes for the conservation of resources, efficiency and smooth functioning of the court during the summer vacation period.
The administration of the High Court, under the direction of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, has issued a special circular reporting about the arrangements during the vacation. The biggest difference is that video conferencing will be the main way court hearings will be held in summer. The step will help minimize unnecessary travel for lawyers, litigants and court staff, particularly during the summer when temperatures can be extreme, and save fuel and other resources.
The circular also calls for establishment of a “work from home” facility for High Court and District judiciary officials and staff for up to two days per week. But it unequivocally clarifies that at least 50% of the staff members have to be in the office physically to make sure that the daily judicial and administrative work is not hampered. All employees performing fieldwork shall be able to be contacted via official communication channels at all times.
Further, the High Court has suggested that the judiciary should consider implementing car-pooling between the judicial officers, registry officials and staff in an effort to further curb fuel consumption and ensure the effective utilisation of government resources. Judges have additionally been urged to share trips whenever possible.
The administration has announced it will direct registry officials to bolster technical infrastructure to assure the video conferencing systems during hearings will operate properly.
These reforms form part of a wider judicial reform program to modernise the judicial system, cut judiciary operational expenses and encourage eco-friendly behaviors within the judiciary and ensure unrestricted access to justice for citizens.