Gujarat has achieved a milestone by becoming the first state in India to live-stream court proceedings on YouTube, according to an official statement issued on Saturday.
The initiative, along with the adoption of virtual courts, a digital portal, and paperless e-filing systems, was inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Supreme Court Justice Suryakant at a special event held at the Gujarat High Court.
Strengthening Judicial Infrastructure
The event also marked the launch and completion of various judicial infrastructure projects worth ₹133 crore. Chief Minister Patel lauded the state’s judiciary for setting an example in leveraging digital infrastructure for efficient and transparent governance.
Highlighting the historic journey of the Gujarat High Court since its establishment in 1960 at Akashvani Bhawan, Patel emphasized the government’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for judicial staff and enhancing legal infrastructure across the state.
“The government has worked towards making courts functional in every taluka of Gujarat and ensuring speedy justice for citizens, which is vital for good governance and democracy,” Patel said.
The Chief Minister noted that the financial allocation for the judiciary has seen a significant increase, from ₹1,698 crore in 2021-22 to ₹2,586 crore in 2024-25, underlining the state’s dedication to strengthening the judicial system.
Role of Judiciary in Nation-Building
Supreme Court Justice Suryakant highlighted the critical role of a strong judiciary in nation-building and emphasized the importance of modern infrastructure and technology for judicial processes.
“The Gujarat High Court has been a frontrunner in adopting digitization and creating robust judicial infrastructure,” Justice Suryakant stated.
Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court Sunita Agarwal echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that enhanced infrastructure facilitates faster and more efficient judicial processes.
Upcoming Projects and Initiatives
Gujarat High Court Justice Biren Vaishnav outlined forthcoming projects, assuring that the state government remains committed to fulfilling the judiciary’s infrastructural needs.
The event witnessed participation from a host of dignitaries, including senior judges, former Chief Justices, Advocate General Kamal Trivedi, and members of the Bar Council, as well as officers and employees of the judiciary.
This landmark initiative is expected to serve as a model for other states aiming to modernize their judicial systems and promote transparency in governance.