Ideas for the future.

Delhi District CourtsVision Statement

2020

A Presentation by (Bharat Chugh)

Civil Judge/Metropolitan Magistrate, Delhi

Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them. …Albert Einstein.

1. Unequal distribution of human resources like staff and space across Districts.

2. No settled norms for division of work amongst different Administrative Branches.

3. Acute shortage of staff, and inadequately trained staff.

4. Lack of Disciplinary powers with respect to staff posted in District.

Understanding challenges relating Governance, Management. Administration and Resources.

• Shortage of Staff can be addressed by having staff in each district which is commensurate with the judicial officers, with due regard to the pendency of cases in that district.

• Overhauling/Streamlining of Administrative Setup. • A Charter of duties defining the scope of work of each and every Administrative

Branch. • Division of Administrative apparatus in 20 branches. • Each Branch’s specific responsibilities/functions set out with precision.• Would help fix accountability issues, infuse transparency and enable more informed

staff evaluation. Use multiple points if necessary.

Solutions

• Better in house training of staff to enable maximized utility and output from the existing resources by increasing efficiency.

• Training centered on basic drafting and noting skills, apart from advanced computer training.

Solutions ….

• Copying Agency• More emphasis on uncertified copies of evidence/order

sheets, would reduce the burden on CA agencies. • Ensuring swift uploading of order sheets/judgments

online. • Orders may be given Dasti wherever possible.

Specific Suggestions

• Process Serving Agency• Better oversight & periodical scrutiny on service reports. • Service Reports – ought to be effected proactively and not

mechanically returned back unserved. Written Legibly. • Ratio of effective service to be monitored by ACJs. • Providing of cameras to process servers to take pictures of affixation. • Implementing service by Email/Fax. (expediting issue of Digital

Signatures and training of staff)• Food for thought ! Outsourcing of work to a co-operative of retired

process servers may be deliberated upon.

Suggestions

• PUC rule – Punctuality, Uniform and Cleanliness.

• No tolerance policy for unnecessary leaves.

• Staff Appraisal may be bi-annual instead of annual.

• CR Proforma should include proficiency in English and inclination to enhance tech skills as a parameter on which performance is judged.

• Vigilance Department to look into complaints with surety and swiftness, so as make checks and balances on staff conduct effective and to ensure deterrence.

Issues concerning Discipline & Vigilance

1. Lack of separate budget sanctioned by the Govt. for each District;

2. Lack of financial autonomy of the District Judge in regards to matters pertaining to stationery, pool cars, furniture etc.

3. Lack of clarity also in respect of the items to be purchased by individual District ;

4. Lack of trained staff/ support staff to man such branches;

5. Requirement of sanctions from Finance Departments which keeps on pending and which results in unnecessary delay. The limit of Rs.15,000/- under Rule 145 is too less/an obsolete limit.

Financial Resources - Challenges

• Financial Autonomy for each District.

• Ruling out need for Sanction for relatively smaller works/initiatives – to provide more free play to innovations. Regulation should not scuttle creative enterprise.

• Checking information asymmetry relating to finance and regulations.

• Outsourcing of work.

• More autonomy to HOD concerned.

• Creation of cadre of Court Managers having administrative prowess, to assist District & Sessions Judges for communication with government department and the like.

Financial Resources - suggestions

 'The most pathetic person in the world is some one who has sight but

no vision.‘

……Jarod Kintz

1. E-AdministrationMinimizing and gradually ruling out paper in administration.

2. E-Copying Agency.• Application for Certified Copies received via portal/email.• Payment made through online Payment gateway through debit card/

credit card/or payment through deposit in bank account and obtaining of receipt. (on the lines of E-Court fee)

• Status of Certified Copies available online. • Availability of certified copies online digitally signed. • Bilingual Kiosks and Staff at facilitation centre to facilitate this.

DISTRICT COURT – VISION 2020

3. Fully computerized Accounts and Finances. 4. All internal communication through email.

5. E-Display Boards and bilingual information kiosks. 6. Infrastructural advances.

7. Total digitization of information and files. 8. Signing of E-records by digital signatures.

9. Better integration of the court systems with NCRB/Prison Systems/Zip Net/Police/Hospital/Banks and other information databases.

The way forward…

10. Surety Management System & Database. Use of Biometric.

11. Accused Management Systems – Access to police dossiers on the court computer systems.

12. Biometric Attendance Systems for all staff members.

13. E-Filing

14. IVRS – Toll free numbers to access court information.

15. SMS Case Alerts.

The way forward…

10. Centralized filing of misc. applications/police reports.

11. Skype to Replace expensive video conferencing systems for extension of remand/Rehnumai.

12. Personnel Management Softwares

13. Use of Store Management software for cataloguing and optimum utilization of store supplies and to avoid pilferage.

14. Use of Dictaphones.

(Also see http://delhicourts.nic.in/ejournals/Recent%20trends%20in%20use%20of%20ict.pdf)

The way forward….

• The Court and its employees strive to become recognized for their service excellence, dedication, integrity, impartiality, competence and diversity, as well as their commitment to ensuring equal access to court services and enhancing public confidence in the court system. • (Source : http://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/

pages.aspx/mission-vision-statement - Superior Court of California – County of Alameda

Vision Statement

• The Court shall fairly and efficiently resolve disputes arising under the law and shall apply the law consistently, impartially, and independently to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and the laws of India.

• The employees of the Court shall strive for service excellence and, through their dedication and professionalism, implement the policies and procedures established by the judiciary and legislature.

• The judges and employees are committed to ensuring equal access to court services and enhancing public confidence in the court system.

• (Source : http://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/pages.aspx/mission-vision-statement - Superior Court of California – County of Alameda)

Mission Statement

Let Justice be done though the heavens fall !

Thank you