Supreme Court granted low-cost VC licenses to High Court due to insufficient state funding: CJI.

Supreme Court Chief Justice highlights financial challenges faced by State governments

In a recent statement, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) highlighted the challenges faced by State governments in acquiring necessary funds for various purposes. While addressing a gathering, the CJI acknowledged that although the central government often provides financial assistance, there have been instances where State governments have struggled to obtain the required funds.

COVID-19 pandemic and the High Court’s struggle for video conferencing software licenses

As an example, the CJI referred to an incident that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned that a High Court faced difficulties in obtaining funds to procure licenses for video conferencing software, which became essential for conducting virtual hearings. The State government failed to provide the necessary financial support, leaving the High Court in a challenging situation.

Supreme Court steps in to assist the High Court

In light of the situation, the Supreme Court decided to intervene and provide assistance to the struggling High Court. The CJI revealed that the Supreme Court had to offer some of its own software licenses to the High Court. These licenses were made available at a significantly lower cost, referred to by the CJI as “dirt cheap.”

Conclusion

The CJI’s statement sheds light on the financial challenges faced by State governments, emphasizing the importance of adequate funding for essential services. The incident during the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a reminder of the difficulties faced by institutions when they lack the necessary resources. The Supreme Court’s intervention in providing software licenses to the High Court highlights the need for cooperation and support among different branches of the judiciary.