Supreme Court to send case notifications on WhatsApp- CJI Chandrachud

Table of Content

• Integration of WhatsApp Services
• Key Feature of WhatsApp Updates
• Supreme Court’s Commitment to Digitization
• Official WhatsApp Number

In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency and accessibility in the judicial system, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud announced that the Supreme Court will begin disseminating information about case filings, cause lists, and case listings to advocates and litigants via WhatsApp messages.

This initiative, which integrates WhatsApp messaging services with the Supreme Court’s IT infrastructure, is expected to streamline communication and improve efficiency.

Integration of WhatsApp Services

The announcement was made by CJI Chandrachud during a press conference.

Speaking before a nine-judge bench, he stated “In the 75th year of its existence, the Supreme Court of India launched a small initiative. It has the potential to have a big-bang impact. WhatsApp messenger has been a ubiquitous service in our daily lives and has taken the role of a powerful communication tool. To strengthen the right to access to Justice and enhance transparency in the judicial system, the Supreme Court announces integration of WhatsApp messaging services with its IT services.” as quoted by LiveLaw.

Key Features of the WhatsApp Updates

1. Automated Case Filings: Advocates will now receive automated messages regarding case filings. This real-time notification system ensures that legal practitioners stay informed about the progress of their cases without delay.
2. Cause Lists on Mobile Phones: Members of the bar will receive cause lists directly on their mobile phones as soon as they are published. A cause list outlines the cases scheduled for hearing by the court on a particular day. By providing this information via WhatsApp, the Supreme Court aims to simplify access to case details for lawyers and litigants.
3. Environmental Impact: The integration of digital initiative was supported by environmental benefits. By reducing the need for paper-based communication, the court contributes to saving resources and minimizing its ecological footprint. This facility and service is said to bring in a significant change in our daily work habits and that shall contribute in saving paper in a long run.

Supreme Court’s Commitment to Digitization

The move to incorporate WhatsApp into the Supreme Court’s notification system comes in response to the increasing reliance on digital platforms for communication and information exchange. By adopting this user-friendly interface, the judiciary aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for all stakeholders, while also reducing the administrative burden associated with traditional methods of correspondence.

Furthermore, the implementation of WhatsApp for case notifications aligns with the broader digital transformation initiatives undertaken by the Indian judiciary in recent years. With the advancement of technology playing an increasingly significant role in legal proceedings, this move underscores the Supreme Court’s commitment to embracing innovation and leveraging digital solutions to streamline operations.

Under CJI Chandrachud’s guidance, the Supreme Court has actively pursued the digitization of judicial operations. The government has allocated ₹7,000 crore for the e-court project, demonstrating its commitment to improving accessibility for litigants and lawyers through technology.

Official WhatsApp Number

The Supreme Court has officially designated a WhatsApp number (87676-87676) for this purpose. However, it is essential to note that the number will serve solely as a broadcasting platform and strictly supports one way communication.

Legal experts and practitioners have welcomed the decision, viewing this initiative as a positive step towards embracing technology to address longstanding challenges and improve access to justice for all citizens.

The Supreme Court’s move to send case updates via WhatsApp is a significant step toward improving transparency, accessibility and efficiency in the Indian judicial system.