Orissa HC Introduces Digitally Signed Orders and Judgments on its Website

Cuttack: In an attempt to reach out to the litigants and lawyers fast, the Orissa High Court has introduced uploading of digitally signed orders and judgments on its website. Orissa High Court has also started an online system of certified copies.

All the orders and judgments of the High Court from May 1, 2023 are now available on the website with digital signatures which is the evidence of their authenticity. The digital signature is the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature and it bears the date and exact time of the signature along with the designation of the signatory.

For the introduction of the new system, the High Court has amended its rules with effect from 1st May, 2023. While the system of uploading orders and judgments on the High Court’s website has already been there, every order or judgment is now required to be digitally signed by the respective secretarial staff of the Judges before uploading it on the website.

The new system is in addition to the existing system of delivery of physical copies. Online application is now optional for private parties. But it is mandatory for the central government, state government, public sector undertakings, and urban and rural local bodies to file online applications.

Since 2021, digitization and e-filing are promoted by the Orissa High Court since 2021. The historical legacy records of this High Court are being digitized in RRDC. Simultaneously, e-filing is being promoted by conducting training of lawyers and their clerks, the High Court registry said in an official statement.

Digitization of records has helped in introducing a new system of online certified copies free of cost. A digital platform has been created in which lawyers or litigants can apply for certified copies of orders, judgments, pleadings and documents and get the copies online, without physically having to come to the High Court and pay any cost for it.