High Court of Madhya Pradesh Becomes the First Court in India to Provide Online Certified Copies

Today, displaying an extraordinary feat of accomplishment, the Hon’ble High Court of Madhya Pradesh became the first Court in India to implement the System of Online Certified Copies accompanied with Digital/Electronic Signatures, of its Orders, Judgments and various other documents. Hon’ble the Chief Justice Shri A.K. Mittal of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh launched a new Online Certified Copying Software on 05.12.2019 at the Indore Bench of the Hon’ble High Court of Madhya Pradesh in presence of other Hon’ble Judges, Members of the Bar, Members of the Registry and Litigants. By launching of this software, the concerned Litigants, the Advocates and the members of the public in general, would be able to obtain certified copies of any Order, Judgment or document, sitting at home or their respective Offices, through Online Mode by simply accessing the website of the Hon’ble High Court of Madhya Pradesh at www.mphc.gov.in and making requisite payment via Net Banking, Debit Card or Credit Card.

Another great aspect of this system/project is that the existing system of procurement of certified copies of Orders, Judgments and Documents shall continue to exist in a parallel manner. Further, in order to make the Judicial System more transparent, the facility of information pertaining to the registration of Application, preparation and delivery of the Certified Copies shall also be provided through the SMS (Short Messaging Service) on the Registered Mobile Number.

The Hon’ble High Court of Madhya Pradesh is also leading in the field of Digitization and Computerization as it continues to provide the facilities of Electronic Paperbook and Electronic Records whereby all the pieces of information relating to the particulars of any case are being provided to the concerned Advocates through its website.

This reminds of the famous quote "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for Mankind" by Neil Armstrong in 1969 upon landing on the Moon. I feel that though launching a system for providing online certified copies is just one piece of the puzzle towards complete digitization and computerization yet it assumes immense significance as it would significantly reduce the time lag in implementation of the Orders and Judgments passed by the Court. Further, it would not only reduce time but also reduce the cost incurred towards procurement of such certified copies as physical labour and intermediary costs would be avoided.

The legal sanctity of such online certified copies can be traced by a conjoint reading of Sections 74, 76, 85B and 85C of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. Such online certified copies could be used for all purposes. This would provide a great relief to the Advocates as they would not have to run from pillar to post in case a certified copy is required urgently. This is a welcome step and I hope that the High Court of Madhya Pradesh continues to excel in the field of digitization and computerization of records. The entire Press Release in both Hindi and English language may be accessed here.