Chief Justice asks Centre to take steps to resolve poor digital connectivity in rural areas

Chief Justice of India N V Ramana has written to Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad seeking steps to resolve poor digital connectivity in rural, tribal and hilly areas, saying this is "adversely impacting the pace of justice delivery".

In his letter to Prasad written on June 8 Justice Ramana also referred to the "digital divide" and said "a whole generation of lawyers is being pushed out of the system" due to technological inequality.

Speaking about the letter during a book release, the Chief Justice said he has requested the minister to initiate steps on priority to bridge the digital divide and evolve a mechanism to help advocates who have lost their livelihood due to the Covid pandemic and who are in dire need of financial assistance.

Justice Ramana has also sought 'frontline worker' status for legal professionals and associated functionaries and vaccination for them on priority.