Sylhet: Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha on Wednesday called for the development of judiciary along with the country’s overall development.

‘Otherwise, the foreigners would not be interested to invest in this country. For this, digitalisation of judiciary is very important,’ he said speaking as chief guest at a function marking inauguration of ‘Digitalised Witness Deposition System’ on the premises of Sylhet Judge Court.

Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith and Law Minister Anisul Haq also addressed the function while Sylhet District and Sessions Judge Manir Ahmed was in the chair.

Under a pilot project, digital witness deposition system has been introduced in 20 courts of the total 40 under the Sylhet Judge Court.

‘This will ensure transparency of judiciary and reduce sufferings of the common people to a large extent,’ the chief justice said. He said the country’s media is very independent.

Criticisms of judiciary take place in talk shows of the electronic media and the print media. The media should not cross the limit while criticizing the judiciary, he added.

Referring to backlog of 30 lakh cases in the country, the chief justice hoped that the number of cases will decline gradually with the development of judiciary.

Finance Minister Muhith said digitalization will ensure transparent and accountability of the judiciary and help quick disposal of cases.

He, however, stressed the need for uninterrupted power supply and proper use of technology to get its benefit.

The finance minister asserted that there will be no power cricis after 2018 and then it would be possible to bring all courts under e-service.

Law Minister Anisul Haq said the success of digital judiciary depends on the judges, lawyers, plaintiffs, accused persons and the common people. ‘Cooperation of all is required for this,’ he added.

He said the Digital Witness Deposition System project has been implemented in Sylhet at a cost of Taka35 lakh. The government of Sheikh Hasina is always sincere for the development of judiciary, he added.