Webinar on ‘Advocacy in Virtual Courts, How Effective for the Litigants’

The Lawyers and Jurists Foundation has given a new facet to the digital world.  This platform provides opportunities for an in-depth knowledge of the legal fraternity the various interconnected zones. The 'Digital Dialogue 6' was co-organised by the Lawyers and Jurists Foundation with 'The Business Standard' and Friday, 14 August 2020.

Founder of The Lawyers and Jurists Foundation - Barrister AM Masum, FCIArb, Advocate, Appellate Division, Supreme Court of Bangladesh made the opening remarks. He stated that access to justice is a global problem for litigants. According to OECD Figures-only 46% of litigants or human being of our planet live under the protection of law and have access to the courts.

Mr. Tarique Afzal, President and Managing Director, AB Bank Limited, shared how the virtual court hearings are helping them during the pandemic. He also pointed out the technical issues like confidentiality, time etc.

Supporting Mr. Tarique Afzal's views, Mr. Ajmalul Hossain QC, FCIArb, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, detailed how advocates provide better services to litigants using virtual hearings and how to manage and respond to resolute huge backlog of pending matters, just to ease the pressure of Virtual Court Hearings. Further, he added in his statements the initiatives or measures can be taken to avoid cyber security threats relating to practice in virtual court hearings preserving confidentialities in all aspects.  

In context of India confronting criticisms regarding the ongoing virtual court practice, Mr. Ajmalul Hossain QC stated- "The criticisms brought by the lawyers of India is obviously taking a traditional view and by means everyone must have his day in court, so when you mean his day means it has to be actual courtroom, actual judges and all lawyers and witnesses present there, but that is the old normal".

Lastly, covering the discussions made by the cited above panelists, Mr. Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarker, Judge of Hon'ble High Court Division, Supreme Court of stated that he agreed with Mr. Tarique Afzal about the meeting the demands of the banks as litigants.

Mr. Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar also emphasised on how E-Judiciary is transforming justice system, enhancing transparency, effectiveness and access for the purpose of litigants. Considering the national concern and litigant's confidential matters, it is important to consider how the information and documentation process of virtual court hearings can be kept in a safe manner.

He summed up the dialogue by stating that the virtual courts can be fully effective if more judges are trained and within a passage of time, it is possible to replace physical courts. 

The 'Digital Dialogue 6' was moderated by Ms. Khandaker Asma Hamid Tashfia, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh.

The programme was coordinated by Mr. Nazmus Sakib, an associate of the Lawyers and Jurists Foundation.

Event covered by The Lawyers and Jurists Foundation.