Author: Rifan Mohideen D, Student at Jindal Global Law School

INTRODUCTION

It has been nearly a year and a half since the outbreak of the Global Coronavirus pandemic had made its existence across the world which has led to the destabilization of the economy, shutting down of large business enterprises, an increasing rise in the rate of unemployment and a significant drop in the stock market value bringing nothing but hardships in the lives of the common people. Truly, the global pandemic has taken a toll on every individual in terms of livelihood and mental health. India is one of the countries which had to experience its worst of times during this pandemic. This terrible period that we are living in, has posed some arduous challenges within the Judiciary system of India as well. Keeping in mind of the global outbreak, the Judiciary system in India with a view to control the spread of the covid-19 virus has taken a few steps where various High Courts and Tribunals across the State including the Supreme Court of India have decided to shift to a digitalized mode of functioning of the system to prevent advocates, judges and court staffs physically appear inside the courtroom to avoid the transmission of the disease. Luckily, the pandemic made its appearance at a time when the primary focus for the Judiciary in India was to accelerate in setting up of E-courts and shift to a digitization mode of court and administration. The idea to shift to a digitalized mode of court hearings initially was discussed around the mid 1990’s and was further enhanced after the enactment of the Information Technology Act, 2000. This research article will seek to focus on how Covid-19 has largely impacted the world of Judiciary and how the Judiciary system has evolved in these difficult of times with the abundant use of the technological advancements for the smooth functioning of the system.