In a first, Supreme Court hears cases through e-court system

The Supreme Court (SC) heard on Monday cases through the e-court system, making it the first time ever in the judicial history.

The first E-court hearing was conducted by a three-member bench headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Asif Saeed Khosa and comprising Judge Sardar Tariq Masood and Judge Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel.

The CJP lauded National Database and Registration Authority's (NADRA) efforts in developing the system for the judiciary, local media reported. The chief justice termed this achievement an important one, which will save the time and money of lawyers.

During the court proceedings today, lawyers presented their arguments from SC's Karachi registry through video link. In its initial stage, the e-court system will be available in SC's Islamabad and Karachi registry.

The SC had announced on May 23, that the apex court will avail the E-court facility from May 27. According to a statement issued by the apex court, This will be the first time in the judicial history of Pakistan that courts will be

connected through application of latest video-link connectivity.

"This system will benefit the litigants as their cases will not only be decided expeditiously but it shall also save them time and money. This will also help improve disposal of cases and reduce backlog."