A working group tasked with devising a new way forward regarding virtual court hearings held its first meeting yesterday.
Chaired by Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj, the team aims to address challenges faced by stakeholders.
Currently, there are provisions for court appearances to be made by those accused, without having to by physically present in the courtroom.
The group highlighted concerns including limited access to justice, strains on the police and prison services, security risks, challenges faced by attorneys in accessing virtual links and procedural unfairness to the accused. There is also the issue of the exclusion of vulnerable groups of society where virtual hearings are conducted.
