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The government has made video recording compulsory for all mobile court operations across the country as part of a series of measures aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and greater effectiveness.
The directives were issued through two circulars by the Cabinet Division on 1 and 2 November, following decisions taken at a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on 4 October. The meeting reviewed recommendations made by a committee led by the Public Administration Adviser.
Under the new guidelines, footage of every mobile court operation must be preserved at the Judicial and Magistracy (JM) branch of the respective Deputy Commissioner’s office and relevant departments, organised by case number and date.
The recordings may be used as evidence in appellate courts under amended evidence laws that recognise digital content as admissible evidence. Copies will also be made available to newly established media cells.
Each district will establish a media cell, convened by an Additional District Magistrate or Additional Deputy Commissioner, to collect, edit and disseminate videos, photographs and information about mobile court operations through government websites, traditional media and social media platforms.
District administrations and relevant offices must establish designated secure facilities for storing seized items. A dedicated register will be maintained to track the custody of each item, with monthly physical inspections and countersignatures by responsible officials.
Perishable items must be disposed of promptly in accordance with existing laws.
District Magistrates will consult public prosecutors to assign appeals against mobile court verdicts to designated government lawyers, including Public Prosecutors, Additional Public Prosecutors and Assistant Public Prosecutors, for proceedings in lower and sessions courts.
Districts must also hold monthly coordination meetings, convened by Additional District Magistrates and chaired by District Magistrates, to review case disposal, monitor implementation of the Mobile Court Act and the Land Crime Prevention and Remedy Act, and address administrative challenges.
Divisional commissioners, in consultation with the Cabinet Division, have been asked to arrange specialised training within a month for court assistants and peshkars responsible for mobile court documentation.