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| The Justice Building of Maldives. Photo by: Independent News Website |
The Covid-19 pandemic has proved that it is possible for the courts of the Maldives to use technology to ensure justice virtually. Indeed, the technological enhancements proved that IT is a weapon to carry out all types of legal proceedings. The pandemic further made the self-proclaimed busy judiciary of Maldives realize the very importance of digitally preserving of the legal documents and all its activities from the registration of a case to the announcement of its verdict by respective courtrooms.
Information technology is undoubtfully an integral part of the daily life in today’s world. During the global Covid-19 pandemic, it has been possible for the Maldivian judiciary to use IT to ensure justice for the citizens of the island nation in a virtual way. It is utmost important for the judges, lawyers and all stakeholders of the judiciary to ensure the rule of law and justice by utilizing their respective experience and knowledge, being liable to country, people and the constitution. As a litigant has the right to get justice under the “Green Constitution” of Maldives, it is the prime responsibility of the judiciary to ensure the rights of the citizens no matter what. It is not the “kindness” of the courts but it’s mandated upon the state from the holy constitution.
During the Covid-19 lockdown period the courts of Maldives played a commendable role which is praise worthy in protecting the fundamental rights of the people, establishing the rule of law and ensuring justice for the litigants via “virtual justice”. Despite various barriers, courts have played a commendable role in consolidating the rule of law in the country at a difficult situation. Virtual justice protected the basic human rights as well as the constitution whenever it is needed during the curfew imposed in the nation amid a Public health Emergency.
One of the
goals of sustainable development is to create opportunities for justice for all
by establishing a peaceful and just society. The COVID-19 crisis has confirmed
the need to invest and make use of digital tools in judicial proceedings. From
the lessons that taught the nation from the pandemic, it’s time for the judiciary
to go further than before in the practice of technology. The digitalization of
the judiciary in its true sense is the only way that can ensure the litigants’
rights more effectively than now to seek justice.
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