COVID-19 and Indian Judicial System

Abstract

Everything is affected by COVID-19 and judicial system is not exception to it. The COVID-19 effect
positively as well as negatively on Indian Judicial system. For first time virtual court system
implemented for first time in the history of legal system. In the virtual court system, procedure
conducted through the video conferencing, e-filling allowed, work from home started, extend the
limitation period for file appeal, and use ADR mechanism for given justice to the aggrieved party. The
thing is important here to consider that reduction in the crime rate during the period of curfew
declared in COVID-19. In the period of curfew, judiciary did not stop the functioning but adopted
modified culture to deliver justice. In many cases, judiciary take action either suo motu or upon filing
of the PIL in the public interest. Indian judiciary was famous for judicial activism in the world.
During pandemic period judiciary issued so many guidelines for proper functioning in different
sectors. However, virtual court system faces some difficulties due to no strong cyber security,
improper connectivity, lack of infrastructure. There is need of hour to learn lesson from developing
country and to make strong cyber security with providing enough infrastructure. The COVID-19 had
given you one golden opportunity to modify our judicial system. And make it more suitable to the
changing circumstances, and to deliver justice without any delay.