SYLLABUS SECTION:
WHY IN THE NEWS?
The Orissa HC Assesses has brought out a one-of-a-kind annual report of its performance in 2021.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
- The report outlines the performance of the Orissa HC Assesses and the lower judiciary in the state.
- The greatest challenge to the judiciary is docket explosion i.e., an increase in the pendency of cases.
- To address the digital divide in the judiciary, the High Court introduced new facilities for lawyers within the court premises.
- To overcome any disadvantage faced by lawyers and litigants on account of the digital divide caused by the lack of access to the ICT devices the High Court provided video conferencing cabins on its premises.
- With three courtrooms going paperless, a considerable reduction was seen in the use of paper.
- Sending High Court orders to subordinate courts digitally has also been introduced through a customized software module called the Order Communication Portal (OCP).
- The High Court has also launched the “E-Custody certificate system
- E-Custody Certificate System provides comprehensive information about a prisoner such as the identity of a criminal, address, the cases for which he has undergone incarceration, his antecedent, and period of sentence undergone.
Significance:
- It is an important way of ensuring accountability of public bodies to Parliament and citizens.
- Making annual reports mandatory will lead to judicial accountability for the citizens of India.
- Unlike the executive, the judiciary is not under any legal obligation to prepare annual reports or table them before Parliament or the state legislature.
- It will help in introspecting on the challenges facing the institution.
Read more:Â UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS
Source: Indian Express