In a landmark move aimed at modernizing legal procedures and reducing paper usage, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud announced the integration of WhatsApp messaging with the Supreme Court’s ICT services. This initiative, unveiled during the Court’s 75th year, is set to revolutionize the legal landscape by facilitating efficient communication between advocates and the judiciary.
Through the designated official WhatsApp number (8767687676), members of the bar will receive real-time notifications about case filings and causelists as soon as they are published. The one-way communication feature of this integration promises to streamline workflows and enhance transparency within the legal community.
CJI Chandrachud emphasized the transformative impact of this technological advancement, foreseeing a shift in working habits that will significantly contribute to paper conservation. He highlighted the potential for increased accessibility to the Supreme Court, enabling lawyers from all corners of the country to stay informed about court proceedings and schedules.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court is transitioning its services to Meghraj cloud 2.0, a cloud infrastructure developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), facilitating the digital migration of court processes. This transition ensures secure storage of court data within India’s servers, enhancing data privacy and accessibility.
The integration received accolades from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who praised it as a revolutionary step towards digitizing legal processes and enhancing access to justice for all citizens. Justice Hrishikesh Roy added a light-hearted note about the benefits of digitalization for rejuvenation.
Chief Justice Chandrachud also highlighted disparities in technology adoption among High Courts and tribunals, underscoring the need for uniformity and efficiency in embracing digital tools for court proceedings. The proactive stance of the judiciary aligns with broader government directives prioritizing digitization to empower common citizens with enhanced access to judicial services.
Overall, the integration of WhatsApp with Supreme Court ICT services marks a significant leap forward in leveraging technology to modernize legal operations, promote transparency, and empower stakeholders in the justice system.
