e-Courts Project, Various Initiatives taken by Supreme Court

e-Courts Project: It is a government project that aims to computerize the functioning of district and subordinate courts across the country. The e-Courts Project is also important for UPSC Prelims 2023 and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 2- Governance initiatives of the government).

e-Courts Project in News

Recently, the Union Minister of Law & Justice, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in Rajya Sabha has informed about implementation of E-Courts Project in India.

• The e-Courts Project is being implemented in collaboration with the e-Committee of the Supreme Court of India and the Department of Justice. The project was introduced in two phases.
• Phase I was implemented from 2011 to 2015, while Phase II began in 2015 and has been ongoing.
• As of now, under Phase-II, a total of 18,735 district and subordinate courts have been computerized under the e-courts project.

E-Courts Project Details

The e-Courts Project is an ambitious program launched by the Government of India to computerize the functioning of district and subordinate courts across the country.

• The project aims to provide an efficient and transparent system of justice delivery by leveraging technology. The e-Courts Project is being implemented in a phased manner, with the primary objective of creating a unified platform for the judiciary.
• The e-Courts Project is being implemented under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), which is a flagship program of the Government of India to transform the country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
• The e-Courts Project is being funded by the Government of India and implemented by the Ministry of Law and Justice in collaboration with the Department of Electronics and Information Technology.

Creating Infrastructure under E-Courts Projects

The E-courts project involves the creation of a comprehensive case information system, which includes digitization of case records, automation of workflow processes, and the use of videoconferencing technology for remote hearings. The e-Courts Project also includes the installation of computer hardware and software, training of judges and court staff, and the establishment of a reliable communication network.

E-Courts Project Significance

The e-Courts Project has been successful in reducing the backlog of cases and improving the efficiency of the court system.

• The project has also improved access to justice for citizens, especially those living in remote and inaccessible areas.
• The e-Courts Project has been widely appreciated and has received recognition from various international organizations, including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the World Bank.

Supreme Court Initiatives under E-Courts Project

The e-Courts Project is an initiative taken by the Government of India to modernize the court system by leveraging technology. The Supreme Court of India has played a significant role in driving the adoption of technology in the Indian judiciary. Some of the initiatives taken by the Supreme Court in this regard are:

1. e-Courts Integrated Mission Mode Project (ICMMP): The e-Courts ICMMP is a flagship program launched by the Supreme Court to computerize the functioning of district and subordinate courts in the country. The project aims to create a unified platform for the judiciary, enabling the courts to become more efficient, transparent, and accessible.
2. National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG): The NJDG is a web-based application that provides real-time information on the cases pending in various courts across the country. The NJDG has been instrumental in reducing the backlog of cases and improving the efficiency of the court system.
3. Supreme Court e-Committee: The Supreme Court e-Committee is a committee of judges constituted by the Supreme Court to oversee the implementation of the e-Courts Project. The committee provides guidance and support to the lower courts in adopting technology and streamlining their processes.
4. Mobile App: The Supreme Court has developed a mobile app that provides access to the case status and judgments of the Supreme Court and various high courts in the country. The app also allows users to search for advocates and check their enrollment status.
5. Videoconferencing: The Supreme Court has also adopted videoconferencing technology to conduct hearings remotely. This has been particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling the court to function without disruption.
6. Digitization of Records: The Supreme Court has initiated a project to digitize all its records, including judgments, orders, and other court documents. The project aims to make the court’s records more accessible and easier to search, thereby improving transparency and accountability.

Conclusion

Overall, the Supreme Court’s initiatives have been instrumental in driving the adoption of technology in the Indian judiciary, making it more efficient, transparent, and accessible to citizens.

e-Courts Project FAQs

Q: What is the e-Courts Project?

A: The e-Courts Project is an initiative launched by the Government of India to computerize the functioning of district and subordinate courts in the country. The project aims to provide an efficient and transparent system of justice delivery by leveraging technology.

Q: What are the objectives of the e-Courts Project?

A: The primary objective of the e-Courts Project is to create a unified platform for the judiciary, enabling the courts to become more efficient, transparent, and accessible. The project aims to reduce the backlog of cases and improve access to justice for citizens, especially those living in remote and inaccessible areas.

Q: What are the components of the e-Courts Project?

A: The e-Courts Project involves the creation of a comprehensive case information system, which includes digitization of case records, automation of workflow processes, and the use of videoconferencing technology for remote hearings. The project also includes the installation of computer hardware and software, training of judges and court staff, and the establishment of a reliable communication network.

Q: Who is implementing the e-Courts Project?

A: The e-Courts Project is being implemented by the Ministry of Law and Justice in collaboration with the Department of Electronics and Information Technology.

Q: What are the benefits of the e-Courts Project?

A: The e-Courts Project has several benefits, including the reduction of the backlog of cases, improved efficiency of the court system, and improved access to justice for citizens. The project has also improved transparency and accountability in the court system.

Q: Has the e-Courts Project been successful?

A: Yes, the e-Courts Project has been successful in reducing the backlog of cases and improving the efficiency of the court system. The project has also improved access to justice for citizens, especially those living in remote and inaccessible areas. The e-Courts Project has been widely appreciated and has received recognition from various international organizations, including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the World Bank.

Q: Is the e-Courts Project being implemented across India?

A: Yes, the e-Courts Project is being implemented across the country in a phased manner. The project is being implemented in all district and subordinate courts in India.

Total High Courts in India- All High Court List, Latest, Smallest, Largest, Oldest and More

Total High Courts in India- All High Court List, Latest, Smallest, Largest, Oldest and More

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