SC to implement system for Safe Digital Transmission of Bail Orders

Supreme Court of India announced on July 16, 2021, to implement a system for safe digital transmission of its bail orders to jails across India.

Key Points

• With the implementation of ‘safe digital transmission of bail order’ scheme,  authorities will not be required to wait for authentic orders to release prisoners.
• Bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana has directed Secretary-General of Supreme Court to submit proposal on safe digital transmission of its bail orders scheme.
• Bench directed to implement scheme within a month.
• It also requested states to provide information on availability of internet connection in jails across India because, digital transmission scheme would require an internet connection.
• Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave has been appointed as amicus curiae to aid implementation of scheme.

Background

Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance, on July 13, 2021, of delay by Uttar Pradesh authorities in releasing 13 prisoners who were granted bail by supreme court on July 8, 2021. Prisoners were juveniles when they were convicted and have been lodged in Agra Central jail for 14 to 22 years in a murder case.

Amicus Curiae

One who is not a party to case but assists court by offering information, expertise, or insight with bearing on issues in any case are known as “Amicus Curiae”.  The decision of considering brief by amicus is subject to discretion of court. This figure originated in Roman Law. Amicus Curiae is a Latin phrase that literally means ‘friend of the court”.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2021