The eCourts Mission Mode Project, spearheaded by the Government of India in collaboration with the Department of Justice and the eCommittee of the Supreme Court, represents a transformative step in modernising the judiciary through Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of the judicial process, ensuring a citizen-centric and inclusive approach to justice delivery. The project is revolutionising the legal ecosystem by streamlining court operations and integrating digital solutions, reflecting India’s commitment to a robust and technologically advanced judicial system.
Phase I: Foundational Development (2011-2015)
Phase I focused on basic computerisation and ICT infrastructure development across district and subordinate courts.
Key Achievements:
Significant advancements have been made in computerising courts as part of the ongoing efforts to modernise the judiciary. 14,249 district and subordinate courts have been computerised to enhance efficiency and accessibility. To support this transition, Local Area Networks (LAN) have been successfully installed in 13,683 courts, ensuring seamless connectivity. Additionally, hardware has been provided to 13,436 courts, enabling them to operate modern systems. Installing software in 13,672 courts further facilitates the smooth functioning of court operations, streamlining case management and promoting transparency. These developments are crucial in strengthening the judicial system and improving justice delivery.
Phase II of the eCourts Mission Mode Project (2015-2023)
Phase II of the ICT Enablement and Citizen-Centric Services initiative, spanning from 2015 to 2023, marked significant strides in enhancing the digital infrastructure of the judicial system. Over 14,000 judicial officers were equipped with laptops, and more than 14,000 were trained in the Ubuntu-Linux Operating System, alongside 3,900 court staff trained as System Administrators in the Case Information System (CIS). This phase also facilitated the operationalisation of video conferencing between 493 court complexes and 347 jails, streamlining court processes. Despite an allocated budget of Rs 935 crore, Rs 639.41 crore was effectively spent to further the goals of ICT adoption, improving efficiency and expanding citizen engagement through multiple new services.
Key Achievements
Digital Infrastructure: The digital infrastructure for the judicial system has been significantly enhanced, with connectivity provided to 18,735 courts through a diverse range of technologies, including MPLS, OFC, RF, VSAT, and SD-WAN. This robust network ensures that 99.5% of court complexes are connected through a Wide Area Network (WAN), offering speeds ranging from 10 to 100 Mbps. Such advancements in connectivity enable seamless communication and efficient digital operations across the judicial network, improving access to justice and enhancing the overall functioning of the legal system.
National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG): The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) serves as a comprehensive repository of 27.64 crore orders and judgments, providing real-time access to judicial data, thus improving transparency and efficiency in the legal system. Complementing this is the Case Information Software (CIS), a free and open-source platform tailored to streamline case management in district and high courts. Communication within the judiciary is further enhanced through various platforms, including SMS services that send 4 lakh messages daily, email services with 6 lakh messages sent each day, and the eCourts Services Portal, which receives 35 lakh hits daily. Additionally, Judicial Service Centers and Info Kiosks contribute to the accessibility of legal services. Mobile applications like ECMT for lawyers, with 2.69 crore downloads, and JustIS for judges, with 20,719 downloads, facilitate seamless communication and case management for legal professionals.
Video Conferencing: India has established itself as a global leader in utilising video conferencing for court hearings, a significant advancement in the judicial system. As of October 31, 2024, the District and Subordinate courts have conducted 2.48 crore hearings, while the High Courts have handled 90.21 lakh cases, totalling 3.38 crore hearings through video conferencing. The Supreme Court of India, between March 23, 2020, and June 4, 2024, has conducted 7.54 lakh hearings through this technology. In addition, video conferencing facilities have been set up between 3,240 court complexes and 1,272 jails, enhancing accessibility and efficiency within the justice system. This transformation highlights India’s commitment to modernising judicial proceedings and ensuring greater access to justice for all.
Live Streaming: The introduction of live streaming in various high courts and the Supreme Court is a significant step toward promoting transparency and accessibility in the judicial system. Allowing public access to real-time court proceedings fosters greater accountability and demystifies the judicial process. This initiative ensures that people can observe the legal proceedings, making the courts more accessible, especially for those who cannot attend in person due to geographical or other constraints. Additionally, it helps bridge the gap between the judiciary and the public, reinforcing the idea that justice should be open and available for scrutiny. The live streaming of court cases also sets a positive precedent for enhancing public trust in the legal system.
Virtual Court: As of October 31, 2024, virtual courts have been successfully operationalised in 21 states and Union Territories (UTs) to manage traffic challan cases. These courts have handled over six crore cases (6,00,29,546) and facilitated the resolution of more than 62 lakh (62,97,544) cases. Through these virtual platforms, online fines totalling over Rs. 649.81 crores have been collected, reflecting the growing efficiency and accessibility of the digital justice system in addressing traffic violations. This initiative has greatly contributed to streamlining the adjudication process and ensuring prompt resolution of cases.
E-Filing and E-Payment Systems: E-filing and e-payment systems have further modernised the judiciary, offering 24×7 access to case documents and the ability to electronically pay court fees, fines, and penalties. The rollout of Version 3.0 of this system allows seamless integration of services, ensuring that individuals can engage with the court system at any time, regardless of location. This digital shift enhances convenience, accelerates case management, and reduces the backlog that courts often face, providing a more efficient and transparent process for users.
E-Sewa Kendras: To bridge the digital divide and ensure access to justice for all, 1394 eSewa Kendras (Facilitation Centres) have been established in District Courts, alongside 36 centres in High Courts, offering crucial citizen-centric services to lawyers and litigants. These centres support litigants who may struggle with technology or reside in remote areas, helping them access online e-Courts services. The eSewa Kendras enable individuals to navigate the legal process more easily by addressing issues like illiteracy and limited technological resources. The initiative also delivers significant benefits, such as saving time, reducing the need for long-distance travel, and cutting costs. Additionally, it facilitates e-filing of cases, virtual hearings, and the scanning and access of e-Court services across the country, making the judicial system more efficient and inclusive.
National Service and Tracking of Electronic Processes (NSTEP): The rollout of Version 3.0 of the E-Filing and E-Payment Systems has marked a significant advancement in the digital transformation of the judicial system. This version facilitates round-the-clock access to case documents and the electronic payment of court fees, fines, and penalties. The system’s 24×7 availability ensures that litigants, advocates, and other stakeholders can access case-related information and settle financial obligations without the limitations of working hours. By simplifying these processes, the judicial system has made strides toward reducing delays and improving overall efficiency.
Judgment Search Portal: Besides these technological innovations, the judiciary has launched the Judgment Search Portal. This portal provides an advanced search function that allows users to easily access judgments, making it a valuable resource for legal professionals, researchers, and the public. The service is free of charge, democratising access to judicial decisions and fostering greater transparency within the legal system. With the growing availability of legal data, stakeholders can better understand judicial precedents and rulings, supporting more informed decision-making.
Training Programs: The judicial system’s commitment to digital literacy is further demonstrated through its extensive training programs. Between 2020 and 2024, 605 training programs were conducted, benefiting over 6.64 lakh stakeholders, including judges, advocates, and court staff. These programs are designed to improve digital literacy, ensuring that all participants are equipped to navigate the evolving technological landscape of the judicial process. By investing in continuous education, the judiciary is enhancing its workforce’s overall competence and readiness to manage digital tools effectively.
Budget and Expenditure: The total budget allocated for modernising the modernisation judicial system was Rs 1,670 crore, with Rs 1,668.43 crore utilised. This significant financial investment reflects the government’s commitment to judicial reform and technological innovation. By investing in infrastructure, training, and digital systems, the judiciary is better equipped to handle the growing demands of a digital world, ultimately ensuring a more efficient, transparent, and accessible justice system for all.
Phase III: Next-Generation Digital Judiciary (2023-2027)
Approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2023, Phase III is a visionary step toward a fully digital and paperless judiciary.
Key Features: The transition to digital and paperless courts marks a significant leap towards efficiency and accessibility in the judicial system. The digitisation of court digitisation records, encompassing legacy and pending cases, ensures better organisation and organisation of information retrieval. Expansion of video conferencing (VC) facilities to include courts, jails, and hospitals enhances accessibility and reduces logistical challenges, while online courts broaden their scope beyond minor cases like traffic violations to include more complex matters. Additionally, establishing eSewa Kendras in all court complexes facilitates citizen-centric services, streamlining interactions with the judiciary. To support these advancements, a cloud-based data repository offers a secure and efficient platform for storing and retrieving case-related data, reinforcing the system’s reliability and user-friendliness. These initiatives collectively aim to modernise judicial processes and improve public access to justice.
Use of AI and OCR: Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology is revolutionising the judirevolutionisingcial system by addressing critical challenges such as case pendency, litigation trends, and judicial efficiency. AI algorithms and OCR can analyse vast amounts of case data, extracting valuable insights to identify case backlogs and delay patterns. This analysis enables authorities to prioritise the resolution process. Furthermore, AI-driven predictive models can forecast future litigation trends by evaluating historical data and socioeconomic factors, helping policymakers and legal institutions prepare for emerging challenges. Additionally, these technologies enhance judicial efficiency by automating routine tasks such as document digitisation, case categorisation, and research, allowing judicial officers to focus on core decision-making. AI and OCR promise to transform the judiciary into a more proactive, data-driven, and efficient system.
Live Streaming and Electronic Evidence Handling: The initiative to improve transparency and accountability through live streaming and electronic evidence handling is a crucial step towards enhancing governance and judicial efficiency. With an allocated budget of Rs 7,210 crore, four times the funding provided during Phase II, the focus is on integrating advanced technologies into the judicial and administrative processes. This increased funding will facilitate the expansion of live-streaming services for court proceedings, ensuring real-time access to justice and promoting greater public trust. Additionally, the handling of electronic evidence will be strengthened, streamlining the process for collecting, preserving, and presenting digital evidence, further bolstering the integrity and transparency of legal proceedings.
Impact of the eCourts Project: The eCourts initiative is revolutionising the judirevolutionisingciary by fostering accessibility, affordability, and transparency in delivering justice. It addresses the issue of pendency by implementing faster case disposal mechanisms, ensuring timely resolution of disputes. Citizens and litigants are empowered with real-time access to case information, enhancing awareness and participation. The introduction of online services such as e-filing and e-payment has significantly increased convenience, reducing the need for court physical visits. Additionally, the initiative bridges the digital divide by establishing eSewa Kendras and conducting training programs, ensuring that even those in remote areas can benefit from technological advancements in the judicial system.
The eCourts Mission Mode Project marks a transformative step in integrating technology with governance to modernise India’s judiciary. Through advanced technologies like AI, OCR, and a robust digital infrastructure, the initiative addresses critical issues such as case backlogs and accessibility to legal services. The project ensures that justice is delivered swiftly and equitably across the nation by emphasising citizen-emphasising services, digital literacy, and improved connectivity. With Phase III underway, the judiciary is poised to become more transparent, efficient, and inclusive, reaffirming the principles of justice, accountability, and equity while setting a global standard for judicial innovation.
Comments