eCourts Mission Mode Project

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity & Governance

In News

• The Minister of Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, announced the ongoing implementation of the eCourts Mission Mode Project, aimed at advancing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure within the Indian Judiciary.

About eCourts Project

• Conceptualized in : 2005 by the eCommittee, Supreme Court of India.
• Launched: 2007 under the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice.
• Aim: Enhance judicial productivity and efficiency.
  • Provide predictable and reliable access to justice.
  • Automate judicial processes and improve accountability for all stakeholders.
• Implementing Agency: High Courts of respective jurisdictions oversee the project’s implementation.
• Phases of the eCourts Project:
  • Phase I (2007-2015): Basic computerization of courts.
    • Establishment of internet connectivity.
    • Implementation of Case Information Systems (CIS).
  • Phase II (2015-2023): ICT enablement of district and subordinate courts.
    • Introduction of video conferencing facilities.
    • Launch of citizen-centric services like e-payment gateways and access to certified online documents.
  • Phase III (2023-2027): Development of digital and paperless courts.
    • Digitization of legacy records and pending cases.
    • Expansion of video conferencing to hospitals and jails.
    • Enhanced focus on cloud computing architecture for data management.

Potential Benefits

• Efficiency: Streamlining court processes, reducing delays, and improving case management.
• Transparency: Making court information easily accessible to the public, promoting transparency and accountability.
• Accessibility: Improving access to justice for all, especially those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
• Reduced Costs: Lowering costs associated with physical paperwork and travel.
• Modernization: Modernizing the Indian judiciary and bringing it in line with global best practices.

Challenges

• Digital Literacy: Ensuring adequate digital literacy among all stakeholders, including judges, lawyers, and court staff.
• Data Security: Protecting sensitive court data from cyber threats.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Addressing infrastructure challenges, especially in remote areas.

Source: AIR