###No Need for High Court Benches or Virtual Benches in Rajasthan: Law Minister Patel

*Udaipur (Dr. Munesh Arora)* – Efforts are being continuously made to strengthen the justice delivery system in Rajasthan, ensuring timely justice for the people of the state. Addressing the demands for the establishment of High Court benches across various districts, Rajasthan's Law Minister Jogaram Patel has stated that these demands are now irrelevant. Lawyers can file cases in the High Court through e-filing, eliminating the need for physical presence. Minister Patel shared these insights during an interview at the Udaipur Circuit House.  

The minister emphasized that no new High Court bench or virtual bench would be established in Rajasthan. The government has invested ₹700 crores to bolster the judicial infrastructure with e-systems, allowing lawyers to file cases from their homes or offices through paperless means. They can also participate in court proceedings remotely via e-platforms.  

Regarding Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal's announcement to establish virtual High Court benches in three cities of Rajasthan—Bikaner, Kota, and Udaipur—and similar benches in ten locations across the country, Minister Patel clarified that he had no information on the matter. He reiterated that no such proposal is under consideration for Rajasthan.  

Efforts are underway to expedite the judicial process to reduce case pendency in the Rajasthan High Court, subordinate courts, tribunals, and revenue courts. Patel assured that vacant judicial positions would soon be filled. Moreover, instructions have been issued to prioritize hearings of old cases in the High Court after lunch to address the backlog.  

On the demand for the formation of a Legislative Council in Rajasthan, the minister confirmed that no such proposal is under discussion.  

During the visit, former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and ex-Law Minister Shantilal Chaplot, BJP City General Secretary Gajpal Singh Rathore, and others were present. Earlier, a delegation of Udaipur Bar Association lawyers also met with Law Minister Jogaram Patel.