13 December 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. eCOURTS MISSION MODE PROJECT

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2083738&reg=3&lang=1 )

Context

The eCourts Mission Mode Project integrates ICT into India’s judiciary, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. With three phases since 2011, it has introduced digital courts, e-filing, and video conferencing, transforming judicial processes nationwide.

Overview of the eCourts Mission Mode Project

• The eCourts Mission Mode Project aims to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the Indian judiciary for improved efficiency, transparency, and access to justice.
• It is implemented by the Department of Justice, Government of India, in collaboration with the eCommittee of the Supreme Court, through respective High Courts.

Phase I (2011–2015): Foundation of Computerization

• Budget and Spending: Outlay of ₹935 crore, with ₹639.41 crore utilized.
• Key Achievements:
  • Computerization of 14,249 District and Subordinate courts.
  • Installation of LAN in courts and provision of hardware/software.
  • Distribution of laptops to judicial officers and training of officers in UBUNTU-Linux.
  • Operationalization of video conferencing between 493 court complexes and 347 jails.

Phase II (2015–2023): Enhanced ICT Enablement

• Budget and Spending: Outlay of ₹1,670 crore, with ₹1,668.43 crore utilized.
• Major Initiatives:
  • Connectivity to 99.5% of court complexes with high-speed WAN.
  • Launch of the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) for case and judgment information.
  • Development of Case Information Software (CIS) and platforms for real-time updates.
  • Use of video conferencing for 3.38 crore hearings in courts.
  • Launch of e-filing (version 3.0), virtual courts in 21 states/UTs, and ePayment systems.
  • Establishment of 1,394 eSewa Kendras for citizens’ access to e-court services.

Phase III (2023–2027): Digital Transformation

• Budget and Vision: Approved outlay of ₹7,210 crore.
• Proposed Initiatives:
  • Creation of digital and paperless courts and digitization of all court records.
  • Expansion of video conferencing to jails and hospitals.
  • Adoption of emerging technologies like AI for case analysis and forecasting.
  • Saturation of court complexes with eSewa Kendras and establishment of cloud-based data repositories.

Significance

• The project aims to make justice accessible, cost-effective, and efficient, heralding a digital revolution in India’s judicial system.

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of the eCourts Mission Mode Project in enhancing judicial efficiency and accessibility in India. Highlight the key challenges in implementation. (150 Words /10 marks)