Will Kerala HC Deliver a Comprehensive Ruling for Enhancing the Judicial Framework in Lakshadweep?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kerala High Court plans to enhance judicial system.
- Upcoming detailed judgment scheduled for August 1.
- Implementation of e-filing and videoconferencing technologies.
- Focus on improving access to justice in Lakshadweep.
- Training sessions completed for advocates on new technologies.
Kochi, July 4 (NationPress) The Kerala High Court indicated on Friday that it plans to issue a comprehensive ruling detailing guidelines to enhance the judicial framework in Lakshadweep.
This announcement was made during proceedings by a Special Bench, comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice A.A. Ziyad Rahman, who were addressing a suo motu case aimed at tackling challenges in the judicial structure of the Union Territory.
The case was initiated in response to a writ petition filed in 2020 by a lawyer from Kalpeni in the Lakshadweep Islands, highlighting various issues concerning the judicial system.
In 2025, the Kerala High Court transformed this original writ petition into a suo motu writ petition.
Earlier this year, in January, the Court directed the High Court administration to provide a report on the e-filing facilities in the islands, as well as plans for technological advancements.
A subsequent meeting took place in March-April 2025, resulting in a report submitted to the court, which included details about the installation of e-filing systems, the establishment of permanent roles for Public Prosecutors and Assistant Public Prosecutors, the setup of infrastructure for the District Legal Services Authority, enhancements in internet bandwidth, and welfare funds for local advocates.
During the recent hearing, the court was informed that the infrastructure for e-filing and videoconferencing (VC) has been successfully established.
It was also noted that courts in the Union Territory have begun utilizing VC in their proceedings, although e-filing has not yet commenced.
Additionally, two training sessions on e-filing and VC for advocates and court personnel have been conducted.
The special bench then remarked that it intends to issue a comprehensive ruling that will include guidelines on all relevant topics, scheduling the next hearing for orders on August 1.