Top court to share info on listing of cases through WhatsApp, says CJI

NEW DELHI: In a significant step towards digitisation, Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud on Thursday announced that the Supreme Court will share information relating to cause lists and filing and listing of cases to advocates through WhatsApp messages, saying it will have a “big-bang impact” and will go a long way in saving paper and the earth.

The announcement on integration of WhatsApp with its Information and Communications Technology services was made by the CJI before a nine-judge bench headed by him commenced the hearing on the vexed legal question arising from the petitions about whether private properties can be considered “material resources of the community” under Article 39(b) of the Constitution, which is a part of the Directive Principles of State Policy.

“In the 75th year of its existence, the Supreme Court launches 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,” the CJI said.