The live streaming of proceedings of the Orissa High Court began on Monday despite stiff opposition from the members of the bar association.
Chief Justice S Muralidhar inaugurated the live streaming in the presence of all judges of the HC, district judges, advocate general, DG of police among others.
The Orissa Livestreaming of Court Proceedings Rules were notified last week for broadening the open court concept.
For the time being, live streaming will commence in his court on a trial basis and subsequently, it will be extended to all other benches of the High Court, Justice Muralidhar said.
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The live streaming facility was thought of in order to enhance the accessibility and transparency of court proceedings, the Chief Justice said.
The live streaming will not cover matrimonial disputes, those involving children and juveniles, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases.
Cases related to national security, Official Secrets Act, sexual offences, Habeas Corpus petitions will also continue to be heard on camera.
Along with the live streaming facility, several e-services were also launched.
In the presence of all judges of the High Court, Justice Muralidhar inaugurated the High Court's mobile app facility for online payment of fines in sessions and district courts and the system of virtual courts for dealing with traffic e-challan cases in Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Commissionerate areas.
Speaking on the occasion the Chief Justice emphasised on the intended benefits of using technology in the day-to-day functioning of the judicial system.
He thanked the e-committee of the Supreme Court for providing support to the Orissa High Court for becoming tech-savvy.
Jagabandhu Sahu, president of HC bar association said, “The HC should have implemented the system after the commencement of normal functioning of the court. Our suggestions have not been taken before launching the live streaming.”
He said the association will decide its next course of action in its next general council meeting scheduled on Wednesday.