Free WiFi in Supreme Court extended to all areas of main building: CJI BR Gavai

In a significant step to increase digital connectivity, Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai today announced that free Wi-Fi will now be available throughout the entire main building of the Supreme Court of India.

Earlier, free WiFi access was restricted to courtrooms. It will now be available to any person - lawyer, litigant and the general public - at any area of the Court's main building.

CJI Gavai informed of the development in open court this morning.

"The facilities of free public WiFI is now extended to all areas of the Supreme Court of India's main building and everyone can access it. It is for the Bar, litigant and all visiting the Supreme Court. It was earlier only limited to courtrooms," he said.

Free WiFi at the Supreme Court was first introduced in July 2023. As part of its first phase, the facility was introduced in the Chief Justice's Court, Court numbers 2 to 5, including the corridor and plaza in front of the Courts, press lounges I and II, and waiting areas in front of the plaza canteen with effect from July 3, 2023.

A circular issued by the Supreme Court at the time had added that free internet access will be extended to other areas as well, including all courtrooms, adjoining areas, bar libraries I and II, the ladies bar room and the bar lounge in a phased manner.

Under the leadership of former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, more digital initiatives followed, including a reduced reliance on paper and upgrades to technological infrastructure.