Indian Seafarer Killed in Strait of Hormuz Attack; Virtual Courts Reshape India's Judiciary
New Delhi: In a significant escalation of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, two UAE-flagged oil tankers carrying Indian seafarers came under fire from Iranian forces on Tuesday, resulting in the death of one Indian and injuries to 10 others. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Iranian Deputy Chief of Mission and lodged a strong protest, condemning the attacks and calling for an immediate cessation of violence against commercial shipping. India demanded the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways in the region.
The Indian government on Tuesday ordered a series of measures to enhance the safety of Indian seafarers, including the creation of an operational dashboard to track every Indian on every vessel and the appointment of a dedicated liaison officer for each affected seafarer. According to sources in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, nine Indian seafarers have died, one is presumed dead, and seven have been injured since the start of the West Asia crisis. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed real-time vessel-by-vessel monitoring and round-the-clock coordination with the MEA and other maritime stakeholders.
Separately, US President Donald Trump reversed his earlier plan to impose a 20% fee for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The reasons for the reversal remain unclear, but it may be influenced by pressure from Gulf states that depend on the strait for energy exports. The move highlights the ongoing struggle between Iran and the US for control over the strategic waterway.
Meanwhile, the Indian judiciary has undergone a significant transformation with the widespread adoption of virtual hearings, a trend accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Delhi High Court led the way, conducting the country's first virtual hearing on WhatsApp within ten days of the lockdown. Justice Talwant Singh, who presided over that hearing, noted that within weeks, video conferencing became the norm. The case involved a high-stakes anti-suit injunctive action against an emergency arbitration in Singapore, with counsel appearing from London and across India. However, concerns remain about the loss of the 'introspective quality' and persuasive elements of physical courtrooms. The shift raises questions about the future of judicial proceedings in India as courts continue to balance efficiency with the traditional courtroom experience.
