High Court to hear cases through audio and video conferencing

High Court has today started to use audio and video conferencing systems to conduct hearings by connecting the courtroom to plaintiffs and defendants located in various parts the country.

High Court said the new system, which enables the court to connect to magistrate courts in the atolls, will lessen the burden and reduce costs assumed by the public.

The court said starting today, a plaintiff or defendant may request the court to conduct a hearing through the audio or video conferencing systems. However, the decision to proceed will lie with the court.

Video conferencing is available in the magistrate courts in capital islands, in addition to Kaafu Maafushi Magistrate Court. However, all island courts have audio conferencing capability.

As a principle, the court will only use the systems to hear civil cases and extension-of-detention cases.