Video-conference facility in over 900 courts, jails yet to match up: Data

Over 900 courts across India have been equipped with video-conference facility for speedy trial in cases in which the accused are lodged in different jails, whereas the corresponding number of prisons having similar provision is far less, according to Law Ministry data.

The data, part of a note prepared for discussion in Parliament on e-courts project, states that 929 district courts under the 24 high courts of the country have been equipped with video-conference facility.

But the corresponding number of jails where such facilities have been installed is only 342.

Phase II of the eCourts Mission Mode Project seeks to ensure installation of video-conference equipment in 2,500 court complexes and 800 jails across India.

According to the data, under the Allahabad High Court, 56 court complexes have been provided with video-conferencing facility, but none of the jails have it.

Under the Patna HC, 43 court complexes have the facility, but no jail has been equipped with it so far.

The facility would be used to record evidence and would go beyond routine remands and production of under-trial prisoners.

It would also be used to record evidence of doctors and other professionals in criminal cases, legal aid matters between jails and courts, and sensitive matters pertaining to child abuse domestic violence and sexual abuse, the note by the Department of Justice states.

Under the current phases of e-courts project, Rs 33.1 crore has been earmarked and allocated for installation of video-conferencing facilities.