Electric eye keeps watch on consumer courts

An unusual scene played out in the state consumer disputes redressal commission this week. An administrative officer of the court was seen communicating with a staffer via webcam, asking where the judge was. This at 3.30pm - just three hours before closing time.

When the staffer mumbled something about lunch break, the officer asked him: "What time is the lunch break in consumer courts? You either save yourself or your boss."



The staffer finally disclosed that the judge had left for home after lunch time as the board had been discharged.

All 43 consumer courts in the state have been linked up through webcams, mike and software to the state commission, their administrative body A source said court staff come on time for fear of conference with the administrative authorities, who can record statements online and take action.

Administrative officers now conduct random checks on courts to ensure discipline among the judges and staff. They can also conduct online inquiries related to consumer complaints against the courts.

Two months ago, state commission president SB Mhase started the computerisation drive. Al1 orders, records of hearings, and daily board of cases are available online.

"Once an order/roznama is uploaded, one can be sure it will not be tampered with," a source said.

While the commission is using central government funds, it has appealed to the state for more money for further modernisation.

For two months, the commission has also been conducting computer-training workshops for consumer court staff. The next workshop will be held in Nagpur on August 14 for the courts in the Vidharbha region.