A) About Virtual Courts

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court passed a slew of directions for all courts across the country to extensively use video-conferencing for judicial proceedings due to the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 has necessitated social distancing and it is necessary to ensure that court premises do not contribute to the spread of coronavirus.
Benefits of Virtual Courts
1) Cost-Effective Technique

• When compared to litigation, Virtual Courts are extremely profitable as it cuts down on the costs associated with manpower and paperwork.
• It also cuts down on the vast travelling expenses during the process of resolving cases Manually.

2) Convenient Technique

• Virtual Courts can cover a wide range of geographical areas.
• This guarantees quality service to all the people of different regions.

3) Better Court Management

• Virtual courts would help in the computerization of workflow management in courts.
• Thus, it would help to create a better court and case management. Video conferencing facilities would be installed in every court complex.
• Evidence of eyewitnesses, who are unable to attend the court can be recorded through this method.

4) Security of the witnesses

• In many cases, the witnesses are not able to come to the court and make their statement as the other party is too strong and scares them of the consequences. e-Courts can help in dealing with such cases

Drawbacks of Virtual Courts
1) Impersonal

• Due to the virtual process of Virtual Courts, the emotional state of the disputed parties and the resultant body language and tone are not expressed to the judges.
• This poses a hindrance to forming any personal relationship with the dispute resolver.
• Also the judges have no control over the temper and tone of the disputed parties. This may sometimes lead to contempt of courts.

2) Knowledge of Computers

• The essential preliminary requirement is to have a basic knowledge of computers and operation of the internet. Digital literacy in India being significantly low, this might be a roadblock for such. Even those who do have digital literacy, lack the trust required to avail Virtual courts. Thus, there is not only ignorance about computers, but also the reluctance of the usage of them.

3) Breach of Confidentiality

• Often in the virtual courtroom processes, confidential information regarding the parties themselves or the parties whom they represent is revealed.
• Sensitive information is particularly more crucial in corporate negotiation in which often trade secrets are revealed.
• Cyberspace is prone to cybercrime. If not properly secured, confidential information can be easily leaked out, having a detrimental effect on the parties concerned.

B) About testing and Medical professionals safety concerns

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court of India has passed an order asking people to behave responsibly with the medical teams fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. The order has also made the testing for Coronavirus free in all hospitals.
Key Highlights of Order

• The order comes in the backdrop of several petitions highlighting the need to provide sufficient protective gear to the medical professionals. A few of them also highlighted the violence against the doctors.
• The SC has called Covid-19 a ‘National Calamity’ and termed doctors and health workers as ‘Corona Warriors’.
• All citizens of the country have been urged to act in a responsible manner and be helpful to the government and medical staff who are trying to contain and combat the pandemic.
• Medical teams will be provided protection while visiting the screening sites or places where new positive people are found or quarantined.
• The police have been ordered to take action against people who obstruct and commit any offence against doctors, medical staff and other medical officials performing their duty.
• The government has been directed to explore alternatives, including enabling and augmenting domestic production of protective clothing and gear for medical professionals.
• This includes alternative modes of production of such clothing (masks, suits, caps, gloves, etc.) and permitting movement of raw material.
• The government may also restrict export of such materials to augment inventory and domestic stock.
• It is the responsibility of the Centre and the States to ensure availability of appropriate Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) to doctors, nurses, ward boys and other medical and paramedical professionals.

Free Testing for Covid-19

• The order comes in response to a petition asking for implementation of free testing by private labs.
• An earlier SC notice also challenged the legality of the advisory price cap of ?4,500 in private labs and hospitals saying that it may not be within the reach of a large population of the country.
• The order states that the tests relating to Covid-19, whether done in approved government or private laboratories, shall be free of cost.
• The government has been asked to issue the necessary directions immediately.
• These tests must be carried out only in the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited laboratories or any agencies approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) or the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
• Recently, the government has also decided to provide free testing and treatment to the existing beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme or the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).