Government pushes for video recording of court proceedings

The Indian government is pushing for video recording of court proceedings as part of reforms in the legal system. The reforms are aimed at enhancing transparency in functioning of the judiciary. Law Ministry made its recommendations unanimously in support of the reform. The Advisory Council of the National Committee for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms, chaired by Sibal, decided to seek the views of the higher judiciary as trial courts fall under High Courts and it cannot be implemented without their consent. Members of the Council discussed the case in other countries where the facility is available to record what the judges, witnesses and the prosecutors say during a court proceeding. The Advisory Council includes Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Attorney General G.E. Vahanvati, National Innovation Council chiefSam Pitroda and chairman of Parliamentary Committee on Law and PersonnelShantaram Naik. Advisory Council of the National Committee for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms: The setting up of the National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms was approved in June 2011. The National mission would help in implementing the two major goals of increasing access by reducing delays and arrears in the system and enhancing accountability at all levels through structural changes and setting performance standards and facilitating enhancement of capacities for achieving such performance standards. A mission mode approach is proposed to improve the infrastructure of Subordinate Courts under National Mission for Delivery of Justice and Legal Reforms The National Mission comprises of Advisory Council, Governing Council, National Mission Leader and the Mission Directorate. The Advisory council will advise on the goals, objectives and strategies of the National Mission and the Action Plan and its implementation and performance of the Mission in meeting its objectives and would be chaired by the Minister for Law and Justice and would have membership from Parliament, State Governments, Jurists & senior officers of Government of India. The Governing Council would facilitate implementation, give policy directions and oversee the work of the Mission and would be headed by the Minister for Law and Justice.

What: Government pushes for video recording of court proceedings When: November 11, 2013 Where: New Delhi Why: as part of legal reform, aimed at enhancing transparency in functioning of the judiciary.