LAHORE: In a significant move to enhance judicial efficiency, the Hon’ble Chief Justice and the Hon’ble Judges of the Punjab judiciary have approved the implementation of an online video link facility for recording evidence, arguments, and witness statements in the district courts across the province. This initiative aims to transform every District Court into an e-Court.
To facilitate this transition, each District Court is required to arrange the necessary hardware and software as per the outlined criteria. The mandatory equipment includes:
1. A Desktop Computer with a UPS
2. A Video Camera with microphone and speakers
3. A Medium Duty Printer
4. An LED (at least 43″ wall-mounted)
5. Internet connections (2 connections, 5-MB dedicated CIR)
6. Video communication tools such as Viber, Skype, IMO, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Line Caller, and Video Conferencing applications
Specific courts, such as the Courts of Sessions Trials, Civil Courts of 1st Class, and Judicial Magistrate Section 30, will receive an additional computer based on their workload. All other courts will share the existing computers for the video link facility.
District courts are instructed to fund the necessary IT equipment from their own budgets upon completing the required formalities. The procurement process for this equipment is to be initiated immediately and completed within six weeks from the issuance of this directive. Until the procurement is completed, each court will utilize the already established e-Court rooms within their respective districts.
In addition, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) along with the request Performa (available in both English and Urdu) for utilizing the video link facility are enclosed for reference and necessary action. This strategic implementation underscores the judiciary’s commitment to leveraging technology for more efficient and effective court proceedings.
This modernization effort by the Punjab judiciary reflects a broader commitment to improving access to justice and ensuring that court processes are more streamlined and accessible. The video link facility is expected to significantly reduce delays in the judicial process and provide a robust platform for recording testimonies and evidence in a secure and timely manner.
