The Journey of Digitisation in the Indian Judiciary

In the early 2000s, India began a significant journey towards digitising its court system. With the focus on technology adoption, efforts were made to computerise various judicial processes. Between 2003 and 2004, a centrally sponsored scheme aimed to computerise 700 city courts across major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. Initially, efforts were targeted mainly at back-office operations.

In July 2004, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) established the first-ever e-Committee to formulate a National Policy for the computerisation of the Indian Judiciary. Dr. G.C. Bharuka chaired this committee, which presented a strategic plan to then CJI R.C. Lahoti in May 2005. This plan laid down a solid foundation for a national policy and action plan, encouraging judicial autonomy in adopting technology. Recognising the need for significant improvements, the Department of Justice (DoJ) identified nearly 15,000 courts nationwide for computerisation, focusing on citizen-centric services.

The e-Courts Project was officially launched in October 2005 and, by June 2006, it became part of the National E-Governance Plan. Following financial approval in February 2007, the first phase of the e-Courts Project kicked off in July 2007. As discussions continued at a conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices, a comprehensive Vision Statement and Action Plan were released in 2009, highlighting the need for digitalising courts.

One of the key technical strategies adopted was to use Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), particularly the Linux system. The e-Committee’s push for a common Case Information System (CIS) led to the development of a software platform built on a Linux-based system called Ubuntu. By 2012, following a successful pilot at Ernakulam, this system was fully implemented in courts across Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Despite these advancements, various issues persisted. Courts in separate states had unique requirements that needed addressing. To tackle this, a National Core version was created, while High Courts (HCs) were given the option to develop their own versions to suit specific needs. Some HCs, like the Delhi HC, went a step further by establishing specialized technical teams to accelerate digital innovation.

In July 2009, the Delhi HC launched India’s first electronic court in the Karkardooma District Court complex. This paperless court was equipped with high-resolution cameras that connected various stakeholders—like jail officials and forensic experts—through a video interface. This innovative setup allowed witnesses to participate without needing to be physically present, drastically improving the efficiency of court proceedings. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) implemented this pilot project.

The establishment of the first paperless court in December 2009 marked a critical milestone in judicial digitisation, overseen by Justice S. Ravindra Bhat. This initiative included systematic digitisation, e-filing of new cases, and other technological advancements. A dedicated technical team, along with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), developed and implemented these software solutions.

Phase I of the e-Courts Project wrapped up on March 31, 2015. However, challenges in standardising processes and legal documents persisted. Each court complex needed to have a dedicated Judicial Service Centre, a well-equipped server room, and skilled personnel for installation and maintenance.

While technological advancements provided many benefits, some courts struggled with implementing a seamless digital process. During this phase, some district courts and the Supreme Court itself had begun establishing websites and digital display boards, but issues like inconsistent network connectivity and power supply continued to pose challenges.

The push for digital change primarily stemmed from judiciary and state efforts, not necessarily from the public. This difference led to a certain level of resistance from legal professionals, including lawyers and clerks, contributing to uneven progress across the court system. Dr. Bharuka, a former judge, critiqued the NIC’s role in the project, noting that relying solely on them led to delays and inadequate results.

By 2014, the e-Committee introduced a new Policy and Action Plan for Phase II of the e-Courts Project. This phase shifted the e-Committee’s role to take over policy planning and development, allowing High Courts to become the main implementing agencies. Each High Court was appointed a Central Project Coordinator (CPC) to ensure effective communication and training.

In August 2015, significant progress was made when the CJI opened the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) to public access. This grid allowed individuals to access complete case details—an essential step towards greater transparency. By the end of Phase II, July 2023, various tools had been implemented, including electronic case management tools available through mobile apps for lawyers and judges.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of technology in courts. Many High Courts adopted online hearing capabilities, and online payment options became available, ensuring that the judiciary continued to function even amidst the crisis. Virtual Courts emerged, allowing people to pay fines from the comfort of their homes—over 39 lakh such cases were resolved by mid-2023.

Despite these advancements, some challenges still persisted around the digital divide and resistance among certain stakeholders. However, various innovations and measures have been introduced to further enhance accessibility and transparency, ensuring a continuing journey towards a digitised judiciary in India.

As we look to the future, the goal remains clear: an efficient, technology-driven judicial system that not only meets the needs of today but also paves the way for a more accessible and user-friendly experience for all.

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