From the Desk of the Chief Justice
This is the third consecutive Orissa High Court’s Annual Report that encapsulates the diligent efforts, notable achievements and significant developments that have shaped our judicial landscape over the past year. 2021 was a year of both challenges and opportunities when the functioning of the Courts in Orissa was restricted on account of resurgence of COVID-19 Pandemic. 2022 was a year of revival and resurgence after two years of COVID-19 Pandemic. The High Court of Orissa emerged as a beacon of resilience, adaptability and innovation transforming adversities into opportunities. Through strategic initiatives, pro-active measures and forward thinking solutions, the Orissa High Court not only mitigated the impact of Pandemic, but also expanded its pursuit of judicial excellence and service delivery to the citizens of Odisha by effective and strategic use of ICT infrastructures that were developed and procured to meet COVID-19 Pandemic challenges.
In 2023, the Orissa High Court continued its unwavering commitment to upholding the Rule of Law, ensuring access to justice and fostering judicial excellence. Through the collective dedication of our esteemed Judges, diligent staff and valued stakeholders, we made commendable progress in the disposal of cases, the adoption of technology driven solution and the promotion of legal awareness and education. The implementation of initiatives, such as e-filing, Virtual Court proceedings and online case tracking not only enhanced the efficiency and transparency of our judicial processes but has also paved the way for more accessible and citizen centric legal system. These advancements underscore our commitment to adapting to evolving needs of our constituents and embracing innovation in the delivery of justice.
Furthermore, our efforts in promoting legal literacy, conducting outreach programs and fostering partnerships with the legal institutions and civil society organizations have contributed to fostering culture of legal awareness and empowerment within our communities. By engaging with the stakeholders and enhancing public participation in the legal system, we have endeavoured to strengthen the foundation of justice and uphold the principles of fairness and equality before law.
In the year 2023, 30 facilitation centres with robust infrastructure across 29 Districts for online High Court proceedings were established. Further, 212 Paperless Courts in various districts and 5 Regional Judicial Academies were established. A Digital Reference Library in the High Court was inaugurated this year. A refurbished Museum of Justice was also inaugurated. E-libraries in 24 outlying stations of the State were opened. National Service and Tracking of Electronic Processes (NSTEP) in all 30 districts of the State was launched. In 2023, the High Court delivered 2813 judgments as compared to 2168 in 2022. The District Courts delivered 1,44,103 judgments, showing a slight declined as compared to the previous year i.e. 2022. The High Court disposed of 1,19,544 cases in 2023 as compared to 1,36,599 in 2022, a decrease of 12.49%. 2023 also witnessed decrease in Case Clearance Rate to 112.11% from 130.94% in 2022.
The Orissa State Legal Services Authority and the Orissa Judicial Academy made remarkable achievements in the fields of legal aid, legal awareness, legal education, training and capacity building initiatives throughout the year 2023.
As I reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the past year, I congratulate each member of the Orissa High Court family for the dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment with which they worked in 2023.
Together we have demonstrated our shared commitment to excellence and integrity in the pursuit of justice for all.
I am confident that the publication of this Annual Report will serve as a testament to our collective achievements and inspire us to continue striving for excellence in the service of justice. Let us remain steadfast in our resolve to uphold the Rule of Law, protect the rights of all citizens and ensure equal access to justice for every individual in our society.
Cuttack
1st June, 2024
Chakradhari Sharan Singh
Chief Justice
