Dhaka, Jan 07 (V7N)— All benches of the High Court Division will start paper-free judicial proceedings gradually this year.
A single-member bench with Justice Ahmed Sohel, designated to look into the matters related to company law, started the process for paper-free judiciary from 3 January.
The Judge of the bench termed the beginning of paper free proceedings as an entry into a new era and the lawyers of the court said that it is the starting of a new chapter by using the modern information communication technology.
Md Shafiqul Islam, public relations officer (PRO) of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court told BSS that Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on 21 September 2024 announced a roadmap to modernize the judiciary, reduce the harassment of the common people and make the judiciary free from corruption and influence.
In line with that roadmap, progress has already been made and new ideas have been generated among the people, including the legal community, the PRO said.
Paper-free judicial proceedings by preparing a platform for submitting all papers through online is the beginning of a new chapter, said the Supreme Court spokesperson.
Under the supervision and innovation of the apex court, an online platform for submitting all the papers of that bench has already been prepared, he said.
Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has declared making all benches paper-free in phases by this year. He hoped that in the long run, paper-free judicial activities will also be conducted in the district courts, Md Shafikul Islam added.
The chief justice gave a road map for the reform of the judiciary. He announced zero tolerance against corruption in judiciary and stressed the need for preparing a roadmap to regain the public confidence through establishing transparency and integrity in the judicial process.
The chief justice also committed to implement e-judiciary. Necessary initiatives are being taken to bring the judicial process of the country's apex court and district courts completely under e-judiciary, SC spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, vice chairman of Bangladesh Bar Council and senior lawyer of the Supreme Court said the beginning of the paper-free judicial proceedings after making an online platform to submit all relevant documents to the virtual court.
It has already been created hopes and aspirations among the common people and the lawyers due to the recent development in the judiciary in line with the roadmap declared by the chief justice.
END/MSS/AJ
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