Public Awareness and General Administration Supreme Court opens with a ‘futuristic’ look The Supreme Court opened to tech-savvy, paperless courtrooms with free wi-fi for all. The new courtroom decor has big screens for virtual hearings. The Supreme Court called the design “futuristic”. Digital enhancements have been implemented as part of green initiatives for optimum use of technology in justice delivery systems. Free Wi-Fi facility for lawyers and others visiting SC has been announced as part of the e-initiatives in the Supreme Court of India. Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, who has steered the court into the digital age during and post the COVID-19 pandemic years, invited lawyers to give their feedback. Recent months had seen the Chief Justice insist that lawyer stick to their tablets or-ipads rather than bulky paper files. Problem in Conduct of Public Elections New ECI web portal for political parties All political parties will now be able to file their financial accounts online, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) launching a new web portal to facilitate the same. The online availability of the data is expected to enhance the level of compliance and transparency. According to provisions in the Representation of the People (RP) Act, 1951, the political parties are required to submit a Contribution Report, Audited Annual Account and Election Expenditure Statement to the ECI and Chief Electoral Officers of States and Union Territories. Twin objectives The online facility has been created with twin objectives: To facilitate political parties in overcoming the difficulties in physical filing of reports. To ensure timely filing of financial statements in the prescribed or standardized formats. About ECI It is a permanent and autonomous constitutional body. Chief Election Commissioner - Rajiv Kumar Term length - 6 years or up to 65 years of age (whichever is prior) HQ…
