CJ Shrestha's Action Plan proposes establishing family and electronic court, promoting use of AI

Published On: August 21, 2023 08:08 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Aug 21: Senior-most Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha, who has been approved as the new chief justice of the Supreme Court, has expressed his commitment to take the initiative for the establishment of a family court and electronic court (e-court).

Presenting his action plan at the meeting of the Parliamentary Hearings Committee (PHC) at Singha Durbar on Monday, he said that he would initiate the establishment of a family court or bench.

Chief justice designate Shrestha said that since such a court is necessary for the hearings of cases related to domestic violence as well as cases where women and children are registered as plaintiffs, and cases related to coercion against women, he said he would give priority to take such initiatives. He insisted that he should also waive court fees for such cases.

He also said that he will start the process of appointing judges to the vacant posts in all courts.

Shrestha also announced the plan to complete the hearings of the cases that have exceeded two years in the district courts and high courts within the current fiscal year. Shrestha submitted a plan to enhance the efficiency of the constitutional council's management and effectiveness in judicial operation.

Furthermore, he said that the possibility of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the judicial administration will be studied. Presenting the concept of electronic court in Monday’s meeting of the Parliamentary Hearings Committee, Shrestha said that he will study the possibility of using AI as well.

According to the concept of electronic court, Shrestha plans to gradually make the overall work of the court reliant on information technology. The action plan of CJ Shrestha proposes creating software related for automated payment processing, use of courtroom technology, preparing electronic copies of records, updating case status through mobile SMS among others.

He mentioned that there is a plan to further expand the method of conducting video conferencing for the work of witnesses and experts, online case registration and virtual legal debates.