e-Court Mission

News: Chief Justice of India highlighted that the e-Courts Mission integrates digital technology to remove geographical barriers and improve access to justice.

About e-Court Mission

• It is a Pan-India project to modernize the judiciary using Information and Communication Technology for efficient justice delivery.
• Origin: It was conceptualized on the basis of the National Policy and Action Plan for ICT in Indian Judiciary, 2005.
• Led by: It is led by the Department of Justice, Government of India in collaboration with the e-Committee of the Supreme Court of India.
• Monitored and funded by: It is monitored and funded by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India.
• Implementing Agency: The High Courts act as the implementing agency for courts under their jurisdiction.
• Objective: It aims to provide efficient, time-bound, citizen-centric services and enhance transparency, accessibility, affordability, and reliability in justice delivery.
• Different phases:
  • Phase I (2007–2015): Computerization of District and Taluka Courts with hardware, LAN, and Case Information Software, along with training and website development.
  • Phase II (2015–2023): Expansion of infrastructure, cloud computing adoption, video conferencing, mobile services, and strengthening of the National Judicial Data Grid.
  • Phase III (2023 onwards): Focus on digital and paperless courts, unified technology platform, e-filing, e-payments, and intelligent data-based systems with ₹7210 crore outlay.
• Key features:
  • Digital ecosystem: It enables a shift from physical records to digital platforms, which allows easy access to case information.
  • Citizen-centric services: It provides online case status, certified copies of documents, and e-payment facilities for court-related services.
  • National Judicial Data Grid: It provides real-time data of 7 crore cases and 3.3 crore orders, which helps stakeholders access judicial information easily.
  • Video conferencing: It enables remote hearings and recording of evidence, which reduces the need for physical presence in courts.
  • Cloud infrastructure: It ensures efficient and secure storage and retrieval of court data through cloud-based systems.
  • Capacity building: It includes training of judicial officers and court staff to improve their ability to use ICT systems effectively.
  • Use of advanced technologies: It integrates technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Optical Character Recognition for better analysis and decision-making.