The E-Court project of India is an ambitious initiative conceived in 2005 and launched in 2006 by the Government of India to computerize the Indian judiciary and make the justice delivery system more efficient, transparent, and accessible to the people.
Under this project, all the courts in the country are being equipped with modern technology, including computers, scanners, printers, and high-speed internet connectivity. The objective is to automate the entire process of case filing, case management, and delivery of judgments.
The E-Court project is being implemented in a phased manner across the country, and as of 2021, over 18,000 courts have been computerized, covering more than 80% of the country’s districts. The project has also resulted in the creation of a centralized database of all court cases, which can be accessed by litigants, lawyers, and judges from anywhere in the country.
Recently, the Union budget for 2022-23 has a generous outlay of ₹7,000 crore for the third phase of the e-courts project administered by the e-committee of India’s Supreme Court in partnership with the ministry of law and justice. The Chief Justice, as the chairperson of the e-committee, has acknowledged that these funds will improve the Indian legal system’s efficiency.
Benefits of E-Court project:
- Easy access to justice: The project enables litigants to file cases and check the status of their cases online, eliminating the need to visit courts physically. This makes the justice delivery system more accessible and saves time and money for litigants.
- Improved efficiency: The project has streamlined the process of case filing, management, and delivery of judgments, reduced delays and improving the efficiency of the justice delivery system.
- Transparency: The E-Court project has made the judiciary more transparent by providing litigants with access to real-time information about the progress of their cases and the status of court orders.
Challenges to E-Courts in India
Despite significant progress made in recent years, several challenges still exist. Some of the current challenges to e-courts in India include:
- Digital Infrastructure: The digital infrastructure in many parts of the country, especially in rural areas, is inadequate to support e-courts. Many areas still lack access to reliable internet connectivity, which is essential for e-filing, video conferencing, and other digital activities.
- Digital Divide: There is a significant digital divide in the country, with a large section of the population not having access to smartphones, computers, or other digital devices. This makes it challenging for them to access e-courts and participate in digital hearings.
- Resistance to Change: Many judges and lawyers are resistant to adopting technology in their work, preferring to rely on traditional methods. This can slow down the adoption of e-courts and impede the process of digital transformation.
- Cybersecurity: With the increase in the use of technology, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches is also increasing. E-courts need to ensure that they have robust cybersecurity measures in place to protect the sensitive data that is being handled.
- Accessibility: While e-courts have the potential to make the justice system more accessible, there is still a need to ensure that the technology is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes providing assistive technology and making sure that digital platforms are designed with accessibility in mind.
- Training and Capacity Building: There is a need for continuous training and capacity building for judges, lawyers, and court staff to ensure that they are familiar with the technology and can use it effectively. This will require a significant investment in training programs and infrastructure.
Reforms needed for E-Courts in India
While the E-Court project in India has made significant progress in modernizing the judiciary and making justice more accessible to the people, there are several reforms that can be implemented to make it more people-friendly. Some of these reforms are:
- Simplification of legal procedures: While the E-Court project has made it easier to file cases online, the legal procedures in India are still complex and can be intimidating for the common people. Simplification of legal procedures, including the use of plain language and simpler forms, can make the justice delivery system more user-friendly.
- Training of judges and court staff: Many judges and court staff in India are not adequately trained in the use of technology. Providing them with the necessary training and support can improve their efficiency and help them serve the people better.
- Expansion of internet connectivity: While the E-Court project requires high-speed internet connectivity, many parts of India still do not have access to reliable internet connectivity. Expanding internet connectivity to remote areas can ensure that people in these areas can access the E-Court services.
- Provision of legal aid: Many people in India, especially the marginalized sections of society, cannot afford legal representation. Provision of legal aid, including legal assistance and advice, can help these people access justice.
- Streamlining of the E-Court system: The E-Court system can be further streamlined to make it more user-friendly. This can include the use of mobile applications, chatbots, and other technologies to make the process of filing cases and tracking their status more accessible and efficient.
Overall, the implementation of these reforms can make the E-Court system more people-friendly and ensure that justice is accessible to all, irrespective of their social and economic status.
