NEW DELHI, Apr 25: Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud announced on Thursday that the Supreme Court will begin sharing information regarding cause lists, filing, and listing of cases with advocates via WhatsApp messages.
This initiative was introduced before a nine-judge bench, which convened to address a contentious legal issue concerning whether private properties can be classified as “material resources of the community” under Article 39(b) of the Constitution, a component of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
“In its 75th year, the Supreme Court is launching an initiative to bolster access to justice by integrating WhatsApp messages with the IT services of the Supreme Court,” stated the CJI.
Advocates will now receive automated messages regarding case filings, and the bar members will have access to cause lists on their mobile phones as soon as they are published.
“This is another revolutionary step,” remarked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
The CJI also shared the Supreme Court’s official WhatsApp number, clarifying that it will not accept messages or calls.
“This will bring about a significant change in our working habits and will greatly contribute to paper-saving efforts,” noted Justice Chandrachud.
Under the leadership of CJI Chandrachud, the Supreme Court has been actively digitizing its operations. The Centre has allocated Rs 7,000 crore for the e-court project, highlighting its commitment to digitizing the judiciary to improve access for common litigants and lawyers, as per the views shared by the solicitor general.
