In a landmark move to modernize the Indian judiciary, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Phase III of the e-Courts Mission Mode Project.
This phase, set to be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme from 2023 onwards, comes with a financial outlay of Rs. 7,210 crore.
The project aims to leverage technology for enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in the justice delivery system.
The e-Courts Mission Mode Project, spearheaded by the Department of Justice in collaboration with the e-Committee of the Supreme Court, is a flagship initiative designed to transform the judiciary through Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Phase III builds on the successes of Phases I and II, which have already digitized various aspects of court proceedings across India.
Phase III focuses on creating a unified technology platform for the Indian judiciary. It aims to promote digital, online, and paperless courts by digitizing the entire court records, including legacy records.
The key features include the introduction of digital and paperless courts to streamline court processes, expansion of video conferencing facilities between courts, jails, and hospitals, and the establishment of e-Sewa Kendras at all court complexes to assist litigants with digital court services.
Cloud-based data repositories will be developed for the secure storage and retrieval of court records, while AI-powered case management systems will help judges and registries with data-based decision-making.
Phase III also brings significant enhancements, such as the INR Swap Window and e-filing/e-payment solutions, which ensure ease of access for all stakeholders, including litigants, lawyers, and court officials.
The government has already made considerable progress under the project. Over 99.5% of court complexes across India are now connected to the Wide Area Network (WAN) with bandwidth speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps, ensuring seamless connectivity for digital operations.
India has emerged as a global leader in conducting court hearings via video conferencing, with over 3.38 crore cases heard through virtual platforms across district, subordinate, and high courts.
The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), an online platform, provides access to over 27.64 crore orders, judgments, and cases from computerized district and subordinate courts across India, promoting transparency and accessibility.
Additionally, virtual courts operational in 21 states and Union Territories have processed over 6 crore traffic challan cases, collecting more than Rs. 649 crore in online fines.
The project also focuses on inclusivity by establishing e-Sewa Kendras in district and high courts to provide digital services to citizens who lack direct access to technology.
Over 1,394 e-Sewa Kendras are currently operational, offering support for e-filing, virtual hearings, and other court services to lawyers and litigants.
Phase III of the e-Courts Project is expected to introduce cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to improve case pendency analysis and predict future litigation trends.
The project will enable data-driven decision-making and promote the complete digitization of the justice delivery system, setting a global benchmark for judicial modernization.
By implementing live streaming of court proceedings, enhanced video conferencing facilities, and integrated digital platforms, the project aims to create a seamless and transparent interface between courts, litigants, and other stakeholders.
This transformative approach positions the e-Courts Project as a significant step toward making justice delivery more efficient, accessible, and citizen-friendly.
With the successful implementation of Phases I and II and the ambitious goals set for Phase III, the e-Courts Mission Mode Project is revolutionizing the Indian judicial system.
This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to providing justice for all through technology, promoting efficiency, and reducing case pendency in courts.
It reflects a vision of a future-ready judiciary where technology ensures seamless and transparent justice for every citizen in India.
