e-Courts Mission Mode Project

IN NEWS: e-Courts Mission Mode Project

Introduction

The e-Courts Mission Mode Project, launched in 2007 under the National e-Governance Plan, aims to transform the Indian judiciary through Information and Communication Technology (ICT). As per the PIB release dated 05 August 2022, the project seeks to enhance access to justice, transparency, and efficiency in court functioning across the country.

ANALYSIS

Context and Objective

India’s judicial system has long faced challenges such as:

• Case backlog and delays
• Limited accessibility for citizens
• Lack of transparency in processes

The e-Courts project addresses these through digitization, automation, and real-time access to judicial services, aligning with the vision of Digital India and e-Governance.

Phases of Implementation

The project has evolved in a phased manner:

This reflects a large-scale ICT transformation of the judiciary.

Key Digital Infrastructure and Platforms

1. Case Information & Data Systems

• Case Information Software (CIS):
  • CIS 3.2 (District Courts)
  • CIS 1.0 (High Courts)
• National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG):
  • Access to 20.86 crore cases
  • 18.02 crore judgments/orders available
  • Includes reasons for delays

2. Citizen-Centric Service Delivery

Seven major service channels ensure accessibility:

• eCourts Portal (35 lakh hits/day)
• SMS & Email alerts
• Judicial Service Centres
• Info Kiosks
• eCourts Mobile App
• JustIS App (for judges)

These ensure real-time case information access for litigants and lawyers.

3. Virtual Courts & Video Conferencing

• 20 Virtual Courts across 16 States/UTs
• Heard 1.69 crore cases; ₹271 crore fines realized
• Video Conferencing:
  • 1.92 crore cases heard in District & High Courts
  • Supreme Court of India conducted 2.61 lakh hearings
• VC links between courts and prisons

This has significantly reduced pendency and physical dependency.

4. e-Filing, e-Payments and Digital Services

• e-Filing System (v3.0):
  • Online vakalatnama, e-signing, payments
• Online Payments: court fees, fines
• NSTEP: digital summons delivery
• Judgment Search Portal: searchable database

5. Bridging Digital Divide

• eSewa Kendras:
  • 500 centres across 26 High Courts
• Nyay Kaushal Centre (Nagpur):
  • First e-resource centre for legal services

These initiatives ensure inclusive justice delivery.

6. Infrastructure & Connectivity

• WAN Connectivity: 99.3% courts connected
• Bandwidth: 10–100 Mbps
• Use of OFC, RF, VSAT technologies
• Adoption of S3WaaS websites (accessible & multilingual)

Governance Impact and Implications

The project has transformed judicial governance:

• Access to Justice:
  Anytime, anywhere access to case information
• Transparency:
  Open data via NJDG → accountability
• Efficiency:
  Faster case disposal through digital tools
• Cost Reduction:
  Reduced travel, paperwork, and delays
• Inclusivity:
  Bridging digital divide via eSewa Kendras

STATIC PART (EXAM READY)

Institutional Details

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Law and Justice
• Launched: 2007
• Framework: National e-Governance Plan

Associated Bodies

• Supreme Court of India
• High Courts and Subordinate Courts
• e-Committee of Supreme Court

Core Functions

• Digitization of courts
• Case data management
• Online judicial services
• Enhancing transparency and access

**Updated - 05 August 2022 ; 04:57 PM | PIB