E-Courts
Key Points
- WAN Project: Achieved 99.3% connectivity to 2972 court complexes with 10-100 Mbps bandwidth using various technologies.
- Case Information Software (CIS): Utilizes customized Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) for intelligent scheduling of cases and COVID-19 management.
- National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG): Provides access to case status information for millions of cases and orders/judgments.
- Citizen-Centric Services: Offers multiple service delivery channels for real-time information to lawyers and litigants.
- Virtual Courts: 20 Virtual Courts in 16 states have resolved over 1.69 crore cases, collecting Rs. 271 crore in fines.
- Video Conferencing: Video conferencing facilities in District and High courts have handled a significant number of cases.
- eFiling System: Allows electronic filing of legal papers with advanced features and online payment options.
- eSewa Kendras: Rolled out to provide e-filing services and mitigate the digital divide.
- Judgment & Order Search Portal: Provides an accessible repository for searching judgments by various parameters.
- NSTEP: A technology-enabled process serving and summons issuing system implemented in 28 High Courts.
- Justice Clock: Installed at 21 High Courts to raise awareness and provide information on the justice sector.
- Divyang-Friendly Website: A user-friendly website based on the S3WAAS platform accessible in multiple languages.
- IEC and Training: Various initiatives to educate stakeholders about the eCourts Project, including webinars, video tutorials, and training programs.
E-Courts: Transforming India’s Legal Landscape
In a dynamic leap towards modernizing India’s judicial system, the e-Committee of the Supreme Court, under the guidance of Dr. Justice Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, inaugurated two groundbreaking initiatives – a Judgments and Orders Portal and the e-Filing 3.0 module. These digital endeavours are pivotal in enhancing access to justice, promoting transparency, and simplifying the legal process for citizens.
1. Judgments and Orders Portal:
The Judgments and Orders Portal is a treasure trove of judgments from various High Courts across India. This digital repository offers a user-friendly platform to access judgments and final orders, making it an invaluable resource for legal practitioners, scholars, and the public. Users can search for judgments based on diverse criteria, ensuring a comprehensive and efficient database of legal decisions.
2. e-Filing 3.0 Module:
The e-Filing 3.0 module represents a ground breaking shift in filing legal documents. It introduces a seamless electronic filing system that eliminates the need for lawyers and clients to visit the court premises for case filings. This innovative module streamlines the filing process, reducing paperwork and time delays, thereby offering greater convenience to legal professionals and litigants.
Recognizing Excellence: e-Courts project
The e-Courts project, spearheading technology adoption in the legal domain, received the prestigious Excellence in Digital Governance Award in 2020 from the Government of India. This accolade underscores the project’s commitment to delivering citizen-centric justice and promoting digital inclusivity.
These digital initiatives signify a paradigm shift in India’s legal landscape, where technology is harnessed to bridge the gap between the judiciary and the familiar people. By promoting transparency, efficiency, and accessibility, e-Courts represent a giant leap towards a more equitable and user-friendly legal system.
The inception of the e-Courts Project stems from the “National Policy and Action Plan for Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Indian Judiciary – 2005,” a proposal put forth by the e-Committee of the Supreme Court of India. This visionary project aims to revolutionize the Indian Judiciary by harnessing the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the judicial system.
The e-Courts Mission Mode Project is a comprehensive initiative that spans the entire nation. It is under the vigilant oversight and financial backing of the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, specifically designed to modernize the District Courts throughout the country.
Data as of 22nd oct 23 ( Click here for latest )
1. District Courts
2. High Courts
3. Supreme Courts
M.C.Q. – PYQ UPSC
1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.
2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither I nor 2
Answer :- C
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