Kataka: The Orissa High Court has launched its maiden Mobile e-Sewa Vans (MeSV) to bring digital court services, legal aid and dispute resolution facilities to remote and deprived areas of the state.
The novel mobile service will also enable differently abled and ailing witnesses to record their testimonies from their doorsteps through video conferencing.
Chief Justice Harish Tandon flagged off the two vans at the High Court premises on October 13 in the presence of all HC judges and registry officials,
According to sources, the vans are equipped with high-speed multi-network connectivity, high-definition video conferencing facilities and power backup systems, to take essential judicial services beyond court complexes and bring it closer to the people who need them.
Initially, the vans facilitated recording of evidence from a key witness residing in Adhalia under Kataka Sadar. The witness, who was unable to appear in court due to illness, provided testimony remotely in a long-pending case.
The initiative offers a practical solution for witnesses who find it difficult to travel to court, helping them participate in legal proceedings without the added burden of a physical visit.
Following the flag off, the Odisha State Legal Services Authority (OSLSA) organised an awareness camp at Paga Weekly Market at Jagatpur to familiarise people with digital judicial services.
The van’s large multimedia display and public address system were used to explain facilities such as e-filing, e-payment, case status tracking and e-Mulakat. The programme aimed to help citizens understand how these services work and how they can use them.
The vans will be deployed throughout the year to conduct legal awareness camps, provide legal aid, assist with digital filing and facilitate online payment of court fees, according to HC registry.
They will also support Mobile Lok Adalats and special drives to settle disputes without requiring people to travel to courts. The services will extend to villages, tribal regions and other remote parts of Odisha.
It may be noted that the Orissa High Court had received the vans under a national initiative launched by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant last month. The initiative is part of the e-Courts Project, which aims to use technology to improve the delivery of judicial services.
