Rehan Khan
As a notable initiative towards embracing technology and preserving its rich judicial history, the Delhi High Court on 11th September launched the Delhi High Court e-Museum which is a digital platform that showcases original copies of landmark judgments, historical documents, artifacts, and photographs. The platform was inaugurated by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, who also introduced two other initiatives: ‘Humour in Court’ and ‘Delhi High Court WhatsApp Services’.
The e-Museum features some of India’s most notable judicial records. Among the prominent cases is the original trial court judgment in the Mahatma Gandhi murder case, which is displayed under the “Repository of Records of Landmark Cases” section. Additionally, the repository includes digitized records of ten landmark cases from both district and High Courts, including significant cases like the Indira Gandhi assassination, the Parliament attack, and the Red Fort attack. The first-ever judgment delivered by the Delhi High Court is also available for visitors to explore. The e-Museum is accessible online via this link.
Another notable section of the e-Museum, titled “Repository of Historical Documents/Artifacts/Photographs,” houses an array of digital records, including the cabinet note for the establishment of the Delhi High Court, judges’ oaths, affirmations, speeches, and notable press coverage over the years. This initiative is part of the court’s dedication to both technological advancement and the preservation of its historical legacy.
In a press release, the Delhi High Court stated, “The e-Museum is part of the Delhi High Court’s commitment to embracing technology while honoring its storied past. The platform will feature digitized versions of case files, judgments, and other key documents that have left an indelible mark on India’s legal landscape. Visitors to the museum will be able to explore and learn about some of the most important cases that have passed through the Delhi High Court, dating back to its inception.”
In addition to the e-Museum, the Delhi High Court introduced WhatsApp services by launching its official WhatsApp number: 9112114450. To use the service, users simply need to save the number, open WhatsApp, and send a “Hi” message to begin receiving updates. The WhatsApp services offers:
- Instant Case Updates: Users can receive automated updates about case filings, listings, and other details directly through WhatsApp.
- Effortless Communication: Litigants and advocates can access case-related information without visiting the Court’s website or attending in person.
- User-friendly Interface: The WhatsApp service has a simplified, interactive design that allows users to check case status by inputting information such as case number, diary number, or party name.
- Personalized Causelist: Advocates and litigants can generate a personalized causelist of their ongoing cases.
The launch of these initiatives is part of the broader vision of the Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence & Accessibility Committee, chaired by Justice Rajiv Shakdher and comprising Justices Sanjeev Narula, Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, Swarana Kanta Sharma, and Girish Kathpalia. The judges of the Delhi High Court and members of the Delhi High Court Bar Association were present at the launch ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Justice Shakdher emphasized the importance of accessibility, stating, “The new e-Museum portal will have important matters on it, like the FIR for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, the case, and the trial. We want to make these things accessible to people… On WhatsApp, you can generate your own causelist, track the progress of the case, and keep getting updates. It is a service available at your fingertips. I have personally experienced that we no longer look at SMS.”