RIYADH: A newly launched Saudi e-litigation service proved an instant success on its first day of operation. Implemented on Sunday, the Ministry of Justice platform saw 7,200 written pleadings, 750 hearings held through video conferencing, and 550 judgments, with 1,050 of them in Jeddah and 450 in Makkah. “The initial launch of the e-litigation service on Sunday gave positive indicators regarding the success of the implementation of this service for it to become a sustainable part of the litigation process,” a ministry statement said. “The procedural guide of the service will be reviewed every month to overcome any difficulties and address any problems.” The new service, brought in under the direction of Minister of Justice Dr. Walid Al-Samaani, is part of the digital transformation process taking place in the ministry. E-services include the exchange of pleadings, submission of documents, remote hearings and proceedings, the pronouncing of verdicts, the issuing of copies of judgments, and challenging them before the higher court. Electronic hearings allow parties to plead in writing and exchange and submit pleadings. They also give the judiciary the chance to ask questions, to which parties respond in writing while attaching relevant documentation. Video conferencing enables the judiciary to listen to the parties, complete litigation procedures and pronounce judgments. They are attended by the parties to the case through the means of communication approved by the ministry.