The Chief Justice of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir, Justice Gita Mittal Monday directed for use of Information technology tools for hearing of cases of emergent nature through video conferencing to overcome impediments in expeditious disposal of cases amid the coronavirus pandemic.
She was holding interactionthrough video conference with Principal District and Sessions Judges of all thedistricts of J&K and Ladakh. Later, a separate interaction was held withpersonal staff of Judges of both the wings of the High Court of J&K throughVideo Conference.
“Judicial officers were advised to use various Informationtechnology tools like Speech to text Software in dictating orders, reading ofonline journals, hearing of cases of emergent nature through video conferencingfacility to overcome the impediments in the way of expeditious disposal ofcases caused due to spread of coronavirus pandemic,” said a statement.”Officers were advised to remain updated on legal issues by visiting online lawjournals and to devote their time in studyinglaws, statutes and latest judgments of superior courts.”
The Chief Justice exhorted upon the Judges to coordinatewith other judicial officers to formulate an action plan for expeditiousdisposal of old cases. Officers were directed to devote their time inidentifying priority cases, discussing the ways and means to reduce pendency ofcases and disposal of cases pertaining to weaker sections of the society aswell as of under trail prisoners.
Chief Justice alsoimpressed upon the Judges to coordinate with District Legal Services Authorityas well as district administration in locating stranded migrant laborers andother poor persons who were in immediate need of food, shelter and medical aidand to ensure that necessary aid was provided to them and all steps are taken atearliest.