E-Litigation Portal: High Court’s move from paper to online filings welcomed by legal fraternity

…hailed as timely initiative that will make court cases more efficient

Moving from paper to electronic filings, the Supreme Court of Guyana will be fully implementing an E-Litigation Portal as of Friday, October 4, a move that is being welcomed by members of Guyana’s legal fraternity who have called the project a timely one.
Back in January 2024, the Court of Appeal had implemented a system for filing cases online, moving away from the paper-based system in keeping up with modernisation. It is now the Supreme Court’s turn, with the court recently announcing that its E-Litigation Portal would be launched on Friday.

Already, members of the legal fraternity have been invited to pre-register. The move is being welcomed by members of the legal fraternity. Guyana Times spoke with Attorney-at-Law Manoj Narayan, a partner at Nandlall and Associates. Narayan, who also serves as a Commissioner on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), lauded the move by the court, noting that such has already been implemented in other jurisdictions.
“All over the world, the legal systems have been utilising more and more technology in order to provide a more efficient service to members of the public, as well as to create an environment that is more efficient for persons operating in the system, such as lawyers, Magistrates, Judges. Some various parts of the developed world, the Judiciary in those countries have already moved towards the electronic filing of documents,” he noted.
According to Narayan, the move is a welcome one that lawyers, of course, will need to adjust to, in terms of how they run their offices. The Attorney further noted that the court has already been implementing other initiatives, such as virtual hearings in the Magistrate and High Courts, which make use of technology. Additionally, he pointed out that some electronic filing has been ongoing with the Deeds and Commercial Registry.

“Since COVID-19, in Guyana, we have seen a significant impact with the use of technology, on our Judiciary. So, for example, in the Magistrate Court, cases are being heard virtually. Where those that are being charged do not necessarily have to be in the same room as the presiding Magistrate and the lawyers.
“But they’re allowed to follow the proceedings through the use of the Internet and virtual platforms. The same has been happening in the High Court, where matters can be heard virtually and lawyers can operate from their offices. All things being said, this move is to bring the Judiciary in keeping with modern times, maximum and efficient use of technology. So, I welcome the move,” the Attorney declared.
Meanwhile, Dexter Smartt, an Attorney-at-Law attached to the Dexter Todd and Associates Law Firm, also described the move as a good one that would aid in efficiency. Smartt recalled that not only has he undergone training on how to use the e-filing system, but he has already had a taste of the system at the level of the Court of Appeal.
“At the Court of Appeal, if you go through that process, you realise how useful it would be. To be able to do these things online, check your timelines, the judgement, whatever notice of judgement made on your appeal. And this now going to the High Court makes things more efficient. You can do your filings online, pay online, check your notes, check your timelines.
“It will also help with efficiency. Not having to run to the Registry every time we need something or depend on a clerk to find information for us. We’ll have everything at our fingertips. So, I believe it is quite beneficial to the entire Judiciary and the entire legal fraternity,” Smartt further said.
The software for the e-litigation system was developed by Singapore-based company Crimson Logic, which has developed similar systems in Singapore, Mauritius, Qatar and for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. The portal will allow for electronic filings and case management, which Attorneys with a certificate of good standing will be able to register for and access. (G3)