The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Delhi government to consider a plea as a representation, seeking directives for the installation, upgrade, or provision of seamless internet connectivity, including Wi-Fi access, in all courts across Delhi within a stipulated timeframe for the benefit of the general public.
A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan directed the respondent to treat the public interest litigation as a representation.
The petitioner, Arpit Bhargava, a practicing advocate in Delhi, asserted the absence of adequate internet connectivity in various courts across Delhi, having personally observed the same in Dwarka Court, Saket Court, Rohini Court, Tis Hazari Court, Patiala House Court, Rouse Avenue Court, Karkardooma Court, and the Delhi High Court.
The petitioner highlighted conversations with numerous lawyers facing similar issues over an extended period, along with several litigants.
The plea emphasized that the relief sought in the petitions is not confined to any specific ‘class’, as it aims to benefit the public at large by providing essential internet infrastructure to all those visiting court premises in Delhi, including lawyers, litigants, and others.
As an advocate practicing before the Court, the petitioner possesses sufficient interest to advocate the raised cause, considering members of the legal fraternity’s recognized stake in ensuring administrative or executive actions do not directly violate constitutional protections under Part III of the Constitution of India.
The plea underscored a blatant negligence on the respondent’s part for failing to fulfill its duty in providing basic infrastructure to courts across Delhi, including access to internet connectivity and Wi-Fi, thereby hampering the smooth administration of justice and hindering all stakeholders’ access to justice.
