New Delhi: Delhi courts Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity has come under the spotlight after the Delhi High Court sought a detailed report on internet and mobile network facilities across court complexes in the Delhi.
The Court emphasized that reliable connectivity has become essential in the era of e-filing, digital records, video conferencing, and hybrid hearings. The directions were issued while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking uninterrupted mobile network and Wi-Fi access inside every courtroom in Delhi.
Details of Delhi Courts Wi-Fi And Mobile Connectivity Issue
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia asked the Delhi High Court administration to examine the existing Wi-Fi and mobile network infrastructure in courts. The Bench directed the administration to file a status report within four weeks.
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The report must identify deficiencies in mobile and internet connectivity and suggest ways to improve the available facilities.
Delhi Courts Wi-Fi And Mobile Connectivity Issue: High Court Directives
During the hearing, the Court indicated that once deficiencies are identified, appropriate directions could be issued to the Delhi Government for providing budgetary support and improving infrastructure.
The Bench stressed that the purpose of the exercise is to understand existing shortcomings and explore practical solutions for better connectivity in court premises.
Why The PIL Was Filed
The PIL was filed by Advocate Shannu Baghel, who appeared in person before the Court. The petition argues that dependable internet access is no longer a luxury but a basic requirement for the functioning of modern courts.
According to the plea, judicial proceedings increasingly depend on digital systems, making uninterrupted connectivity critical for the administration of justice.
Importance Of Internet In Modern Courtrooms
The petition highlights that lawyers, litigants, court staff, and judges frequently rely on e-filing platforms, online case records, and digital court services.
Poor network coverage can disrupt access to these essential services and slow down court work.
Video Conferencing Requires Stable Internet
Virtual and hybrid hearings have become a regular part of judicial proceedings.
Unstable internet connections can interrupt hearings, delay proceedings, and affect communication between courts and stakeholders.
Petition Seeks Technical Audit Of Court Complexes
The plea seeks a courtroom-wise technical audit to identify areas where mobile network coverage or Wi-Fi connectivity is weak, unavailable, or intermittent. It also requests measures to eliminate network dead zones and establish minimum connectivity standards across all court complexes in Delhi.
Additional Demands In The PIL
The petitioner has sought installation of dedicated Wi-Fi access points inside courtrooms and court premises wherever necessary.
Signal Enhancement Infrastructure
The plea also calls for signal boosters, repeaters, and other infrastructure to strengthen mobile network coverage in weak-signal areas.
Mechanism To Address Network Failures
Another demand is the creation of a reporting and grievance mechanism for immediate identification and rectification of network failures during court working hours.
Delhi Courts Wi-Fi And Mobile Connectivity Issue: Concerns Raised By The Petitioner
The petition states that inadequate connectivity can force lawyers to leave courtrooms in search of mobile signals or internet access. Such interruptions may affect access to virtual hearings, electronic records, court portals, and communication with clients.
The petitioner also argues that poor connectivity can impact advocate-client communication, especially when urgent instructions or clarifications are needed during hearings.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The Delhi High Court has asked the administration to submit its report within four weeks. The matter is now scheduled to be heard on December 9, when the Court will review the findings and consider further steps.
FAQs
The PIL was filed by Advocate Shannu Baghel, who argued that reliable internet access is essential for modern judicial functioning.
The Court sought a report to identify deficiencies in internet and mobile network facilities across Delhi courts and to explore ways to improve connectivity infrastructure.
The petition seeks dedicated Wi-Fi access points, signal enhancement systems, courtroom-wise connectivity audits, elimination of network dead zones, and a mechanism to address network failures.
