The novel coronavirus( COVID 19 ) lockdown has caged everyone in their homes. However, with it, the judiciary system of India is at stake with a high number of cases pending. Digitization is the new normal, to hear the case in which judges and advocates are trying to adapt to the fullest.
To get a perspective of the working process of the judicial system in this lockdown period, The Optimist News spoke to Dr.Pradeep Kulshrestha, Professor and Dean of Law, at Sharda University in Greater Noida.
Digitization To The Rescue:
Prof Kulshretha believes that digitization is changing the world for human beings and how India is facing problems with limited high-quality internet availability. “After the lockdown was declared, for weeks we couldn’t figure out what to do. However, from 2nd March we started online classes which saved our days. If there was no technology then we all would have stuck in a huge mess. Because of digital technology we could conduct online classes, seminars, meetings with our colleagues.” Said Professor Pradeep Kulshrestha.
“The only problem is 10% of residents are facing a problem. Some are in Jammu and Kashmir, some in village areas and remote locations in India. Everyone is not fortunate to have high-quality internet access which is creating problems.” Added the Professor.
The Judicial system at the district level is not functioning, which is piling up cases. The Supreme Court and High Courts are hearing only important matters only, which are badly affecting the judicial system believes Professor Kulshrestha.
Judiciary Post Lockdown:
Prof Kulshrestha gives an idea of how the judiciary will work post lockdown, keeping in mind all social distancing norms. “During this lockdown period judiciary is hearing urgent cases via video conferencing. After the COVID-19 pandemic is over, the judiciary will use both ways to hear cases, which is the normal face to face method as well as video conferencing. A few days back, it was made official that both ways will be used to hear cases, that is both online and offline to clear pending cases.” Explained Prof. Kulshrestha.
With three crores of cases, pending, the professor thinks that more number of judges and courts might help to clear them soon. He further believes that the prime duty of the lawyer and judge is to ensure those common people who reach the court with all faith to be heard, should not leave the courtroom disheartened and justice is ensured to everyone.
“In India, common people have a lot of trust in the judicial system, because the system is working by and large for people who reach court as a last resort and judges and advocates there are helping them in getting justice.” Says Prof. Kulshrestha.
“My observation is that as an advocate or a judge everybody has to ensure that our duty to mankind is upheld. See the people are not suffering.” Adds the Professor.
According to the professor of Sharda University, the major drawback that the system faces are execution of laws. There are so many laws, but the implementation of these laws is little. He concluded with a hope that all the good ordinances are followed properly.
