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The Delhi High Court has directed the relevant authorities to take concrete steps to ensure adequate internet connectivity across court complexes in the national capital, noting that poor signal strength continues to hinder lawyers and litigants from accessing the internet on their own devices.
The court's direction followed a petition filed by advocate Arpit Bhargava, which highlighted the persistent problem of limited or non-existent internet connectivity in court premises across Delhi. Advocate Beenashaw N Soni appeared for the petitioner. Justice Sachin Datta, while hearing a petition, noted that the status report filed pursuant to earlier directions did not satisfactorily address the key issues raised before the Court. The judge emphasised that seamless internet access within court premises is critical to the effective administration of justice, particularly given the increasing reliance on e-filing, virtual hearings, and digital court platforms. The High Court directed the authorities to ensure that sufficient signal strength is available in all court complexes so that litigants and lawyers can access the internet on their mobile phones and laptops without disruption. It further ordered that Wi-Fi access be enabled, thereby allowing users to connect to court-provided networks. However, the HC observed that the authorities appeared to have focused primarily on enabling Wi-Fi facilities, while failing to adequately address the more fundamental requirement of ensuring robust mobile network signal strength. Holding that this aspect had not been properly dealt with, the judge directed the respondent to take suitable remedial measures, including the installation of additional towers, wherever necessary, to enhance signal strength within court premises. The High Court has sought a fresh status report on the steps taken within six weeks and listed the matter for further hearing on March 9, 2026. In his plea, Bhargava submitted that inadequate connectivity adversely affects not only lawyers, but also judges, litigants, court staff, members of the media and other stakeholders connected with the justice delivery system. Drawing on his personal experience, he stated that courts, including Patiala House Courts, Rouse Avenue Courts, and even the Delhi High Court, suffer from poor internet access, creating impediments to virtual hearings, e-filing, email communication, and access to online court portals. The petition further alleged that despite being aware of the issue and its serious repercussions, the authorities had failed to take timely corrective action. It contended that the continued inaction reflects a lack of will on the part of the respondents to install, upgrade and provide seamless internet connectivity in courts across Delhi, thereby impacting access to justice and the smooth functioning of court proceedings. (ANI)
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