Video-conference-facility available in 929 courts, jails yet to match up
What's the story
As many as 929 District Courts under 24 High Courts of 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, Law Ministry data said.
The corresponding number of jails where such facilities have been installed is only 342.
Here's more.
Video-conferencing facility
Under Allahabad HC, 56 court complexes have video-conference facility
The Ministry's data was part of a note prepared for discussion in Parliament on the eCourts project.
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.
Under the Allahabad High Court, 56 court complexes have been provided with the video-conferencing facility, but none of the jails have it, data shows.
Information
Under Patna HC, 43 court complexes have video-conference facility
Under the Patna HC, 43 court complexes have the facility, but no jail has been equipped with it so far. Under the current phases of the eCourts project, Rs. 33.1cr has been earmarked and allocated for installation of video-conferencing facilities.
Uses
Video-conference facility would be used to record evidence
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 stated.