SC rolls out online portal for public access to judicial details
The Supreme Court has launched a new Public Facilitation Portal to provide citizens with easier access to judicial information and guidance, according to an official statement.
The portal, available on the court’s official website under the name Public Portal, enables users to check case details, track the status of applications and submit complaints online. Through the Application Status section, users can monitor requests for early hearings, adjournments and video-link appearances.
Information can also be obtained by contacting the Supreme Court directly via the 1818 helpline, the statement said.
An Overseas Portal has also been made operational to keep Pakistanis abroad connected to their court proceedings. The court said a Feedback Portal has been introduced to encourage public participation and strengthen judicial accountability.
In addition, an Anti-Corruption Reporting Mechanism will allow citizens to lodge confidential complaints, the statement added.
Read: Top judge announces digitalisation of courts
Digitalisation of the courts
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi had announced in September that the courts would be heading to digitalisation, signalling key changes. One of the focuses, alongside digitalisation and more so a reasoning, was to make the matters of the court more accessible to the common citizen, which is what the second pillar addresses.
One of the focuses, alongside digitalisation and more so a reasoning, was to make the matters of the court more accessible to the common citizen, which is what the second pillar addresses.
The Supreme court in October hosyed an event that witnessed the signing of a MoU between the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) and the National Information Technology Board (NITB), and the formal launch of the E-Office system in the Supreme Court.
Read more: Supreme Court establishes Overseas Litigants Facilitation Cell
In addition, the court has said that case details and certified copies of judgments will be made available online. The entire process will be digitised, with all records preserved electronically to ensure transparency and easy access.
Recognizing the difficulties faced by overseas litigants in securing timely and convenient access to justice, CJP Yahya Afridi has taken notice of the matter and has established the Overseas Litigants Facilitation Cell (OLFC) with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/JyKeAH8egi
The Supreme Court said the establishment of the facilitation cell reflects the judiciary’s resolve to address these concerns. “This initiative reflects the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that access to justice is not hindered by distance and that overseas litigants can effectively pursue their rights before the Supreme Court of Pakistan, ” the statement concluded.