New Delhi: Delhi High Court has asked the state govt to direct the various telecom service providers to ensure that court complexes in the city have proper internet connectivity. “Considering the circumstances, the govt of NCT of Delhi is directed to follow up and issue necessary directions to the concerned telecom service providers and other relevant stakeholders to ensure sufficient signal strength in various court complexes in Delhi,” Justice Sachin Dutta said in a recent order. The court gave the govt four weeks to file a fresh status report on steps taken to improve connectivity. The high court also directed its IT department to submit a report suggesting further measures to ensure adequate internet access within court premises.The directions came while hearing a contempt plea filed by a lawyer, who alleged that despite earlier orders, the authorities had failed to improve internet connectivity, including Wi-Fi access, in courts. Advocate Arpit Bhargava, in his public interest litigation, argued that poor or non-existent internet connectivity in Delhi’s courts adversely affects lawyers, judges, litigants, court staff, media and other stakeholders. Citing personal experience, Bhargava said internet connectivity was either inadequate or unavailable in several court complexes, including Patiala House Court, Rouse Avenue Court and even the Delhi High Court, hampering the smooth administration of justice. The plea alleged that authorities were aware of the problem and its consequences but failed to act, leaving lawyers and litigants unable to access virtual hearings, emails and other digital services from court premises. “There is a complete lack of will on the part of the respondents to take steps to install, upgrade or provide seamless internet connectivity in courts across Delhi, which is essential to ensure access to justice,” the plea said.
