GUWAHATI, April 11 - To contain spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Judiciary is adopting various technological tools, including video conferencing facility to deliver justice to the citizens.
Along with the Supreme Court and other high courts of the country, the Gauhati High Court too has regulated court working only to urgent matters till April 19 in view of the COVID-19. The High Court has issued notifications regarding its functioning as also of the district courts of the State, giving guidelines on use of technology and video conferencing for accepting and hearing urgent matters.
During the ongoing lockdown, the Gauhati High Court heard around 62 cases via video conferencing facility till April 9, which was the last working day before the court�s Bihu vacations. On the last working day, Chief Justice Ajai Lamba heard an important case relating to rhino poaching via video conferencing.
BK Mahajan, Special Public Prosecutor, Assam, while appearing for the prosecution, opposed the application for bail on the ground that the applicant is a habitual offender. He submitted before the High Court that the applicant has a criminal history. Mahajan further pleaded that in this phase of lockdown, in case the applicant is released, there is every likelihood of his indulging in rhino poaching. Considering all aspects of the matter, the High Court rejected the bail application.
Meanwhile, Mahajan appreciated the use of technology by the Gauhati High Court during the current lockdown to ensure its smooth functioning for deliverance of justice. He added that despite facing infrastructural and bandwidth bottlenecks, the officers and staff connected with e-court services of the High Court are providing best possible solutions for smooth functioning of the court.
