Would India have its first Virtual-only High Court Bench? is answered by the Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to a media house that this going to be a reality soon.

The Rajasthan High Court would have the first High Court to have a virtual-only bench in India. The bench would be at Bikaner. It is really a step towards delivering swift justice to about 70 thousand pending cases.

The announcement of the Law minister has come in the wake of a regular demand of Lawyers in Bikaner to have a bench in Bikaner. The Lawyer's body has been demanding for High Court Bench for the last 14 years. They observe a symbolic strike on the 17th of each month. While there's currently no physical bench, the upcoming virtual bench offers hope for speedy resolutions for civil, criminal, and other cases within the Bikaner division. After 14 years of demand, Arjun Ram Meghwal, who is also Bikaner's MP, confirmed the progress towards a Virtual Bench, aiming to conduct High Court cases through video conferencing in Bikaner.

Although demands for High Court benches are prevalent in other cities also but Bikaner's case is particularly strong due to its caseload and Minister's connection to the city. The geographical distance from Jodhpur compounds the need for accessible justice, especially for remote areas like Hindumalkot. Over the past 14 years, lawyers have engaged in strikes, rallies, and discussions with government officials. 

It's important to note that the Chief Justice of India's commitment to technology significantly influenced this initiative. Arjun Ram Meghwal also commended this effort during the recent Independence Day event at the Supreme Court. There has been a demand for benches of the Supreme Court also and this demand is also age-old. Recently the CJI had stated in many gatherings that now the age has come where a person sitting anywhere in the Country may appear and argue the case.

Probably the virtual court setup will take place in a spacious room or hall equipped with large screens for efficient video conferencing. High Court personnel will be involved in facilitating the proceedings. Virtual Bench hearings will be scheduled in advance, focusing on specific matters to streamline the process. The presiding judge will be stationed in Jodhpur, overseeing cases from the Bikaner division.

The biggest issue would be the filing of the cases and maintaining them. What has to be seen is whether there would be only soft copy filing or there would be both soft as well as physical filing.

There would be certainly many benefits of the new beginning. Swift Hearings of bail petitions: Cases related to bail and anticipatory bail within the division's districts will be expedited. The general public will benefit from affordable and easily accessible justice, saving time and resources. Legal practitioners in Bikaner can expect increased income opportunities. Ordinary individuals, victims, and those financially disadvantaged will be spared the need for repeated travel to Jodhpur for legal matters.