Video-conferencing, LED video wall: Supreme Court gets tech makeover

The courtrooms earlier used to have bookshelves on either side of the area where lawyers and litigants would stand, which contributed to the congestion during important hearings when the courts would be full. This has now been done away with in the CJI’s court; other court halls will follow suit.

The CJI said all courts will now resemble his court — “no books and papers at all” — and quickly added that this is not to say that the court will no more rely on books or papers.

A votary of technology, CJI Chandrachud, who took over in November 2022, has been on a mission to make the court paperless and had insisted during Constitution Bench hearings that lawyers use electronic gadgets to read out from, instead of relying on physical books and papers.

On Monday, the CJI said that Wi-Fi connectivity has been provided in courtrooms 1 to 5, as well as the passages, and that Bar rooms will be upgraded soon.

To improve upon the virtual hearings ushered in by the pandemic situation, a state-of-the-art digital video-conferencing system has now been installed in the courtrooms. Sources in SC said this will facilitate efficient communication and collaboration.

“The system enables remote participation and virtual meetings, enhancing accessibility and connectivity of the courtrooms,” according to an official communication from the apex court. “Cable cubbies have been integrated into these courtrooms to fulfil the diverse connectivity needs of modern technology.

“These cubbies are equipped with LAN connections, HDMI outputs, USB C&A ports along with power sockets. The use of these would help in integrated use of multimedia devices while ensuring a clutter-free environment.”

The courtrooms have also received a futuristic LED video wall, which would serve as a high-resolution display for camera feeds and multimedia content, and “enhances the visual impact of presentations, evidence, and video recordings, creating an immersive and engaging courtroom experience”, according to the release.

The sound system has been upgraded to meet the changes, and flush mount Front of House (FOH) speakers now stand strategically positioned under table speakers and suitable amplifiers. The communication pointed out that “these enhancements deliver clear and balanced audio throughout the courtroom, ensuring that every voice and audio source is heard with exceptional clarity”.

A document camera has been provided in the court halls to streamline the sharing of document content. “This advanced camera enables the clear capture and real-time display of physical documents, facilitating seamless sharing of important legal materials, evidence, and exhibits,” according to the communication. “This technology simplifies the presentation of visual information and enhances the accessibility of courtroom proceedings.”

Some of the other initiatives include development of a software to facilitate advocates to upload reference material and citations relating to the matter and an under-development software to provide e-pass facility to advocates and litigants to access the court without having to crowd at the photo pass counter that issues physical passes.