The Rajasthan HC has now introduced E-Pay service for online payments of fines and fees. This service is available across all District Courts of Rajasthan. This is an appreciated move as it adds to the various online facilities available to lawyers during COVID-19.
Facts of the Case
In a bid towards tackling the COVID, 19 Rajasthan HC has introduced E-Pay. The introduction of this new method of payment reduces the need for physical contact.
The method also serves as an alternative to the cumbersome process of going to Court. This step is in light of the recent efforts to digitalize and move with the changing times. Needless to say, the timing of the same couldn’t have been any more important with the virus at hand. Moreover, it will eliminate the various difficulties associated with the exchange of cash in the Courts. The Courts will no longer have to engage in the manual maintenance of account books, the note states.
Reasoning and Method of Deployment
The deposition of fine in subordinate Courts will be availed from the E-Pay portal. This portal is already used to pay online Court fees. This E-Pay portal is being integrated with E- GRAS. E-GRAS is the online receipt system developed by the State Government of Rajasthan. Hence, the fine deposited through this portal will get transferred to the state government.
Through net banking, credit/debit card, or BHIM UPI, a person can pay the fines. After the successful payment, a person can download the receipt containing details of payment. This receipt can act as proof for the concerned party before the Court as online payment of the fine. After the introduction of the system, services of online payment are available to any person 24×7.
Court’s Observation
The Courts will no longer have to engage in the maintenance of account books. The reduction will also lead to savings, thus maintaining cost and time. Moreover, it will reduce errors and issues in the management of the same. Further, it will reduce the difficulties associated with an exchange of cash in Courts.
Account books can be error-free with such facilities. This will not only help litigants but also save the time of the Court staff. A specialized web link to access the facility of the E-Pay portal is available on the website of Rajasthan High Court. A detailed user manual for the process on how to avail these facilities will be available online.
Decision
After the initiation of lockdown, the facility of online filing of fresh cases, applications, etc., was initiated through weblink & email before the Rajasthan High Court and subordinate Courts. The Courts are also hearing the arguments online through video conferencing. This adds to the multitude of digital alternatives present.
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