What is the e-Courts Project Phase III?
The e-Courts Project Phase III is a government initiative aimed at enhancing the judicial system through the incorporation of digital technology. It is a part of a broader national plan to foster e-governance and is designed to establish online and paperless courts, making the judicial process more accessible, reliable, and transparent for the citizens. The project is set to span four years from 2023, with a budget allocation of ₹7210 crore.
What is the philosophy behind this project?
The project is grounded in the philosophy of "access and inclusion," aiming to improve access to justice through the use of technology. It seeks to take the achievements of the previous phases to a higher level by promoting a digital and paperless judicial system.
What are the main objectives of Phase III?
Digital Transformation: Transitioning to a digital, online, and paperless court system through comprehensive digitization of court records, including legacy records.
Cloud Storage: Establishing cloud storage solutions for the secure and efficient storage of evidence, case records, and software applications.
Unified Technology Platform: Creating a unified platform to facilitate seamless and paperless interaction between courts, litigants, and other stakeholders.
e-Sewa Kendras: Setting up 4,400 e-Sewa Kendras in all court complexes to universalize e-Filing and e-Payments, enhancing accessibility for all citizens.
Smart Systems: Implementing intelligent systems to aid judges and registries in data-based decision-making, including case scheduling and prioritization.
What has been achieved in the previous phases?
In the earlier phases, over 18,000 courts were computerized across the country, with significant budget allocations to facilitate this transformation.
What will the third phase cover?
The third phase will focus on:
Computerization: Including enhancements in hardware and network connectivity.
Online Services: Provision of online cause lists and judgments to streamline judicial processes.
Virtual Participation: Enabling virtual participation in court proceedings to reduce associated costs and environmental impact.
Who is overseeing this project?
The project is being executed under a collaborative effort involving the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice, and the e-Committee of the Supreme Court of India, working with respective High Courts to foster a more accessible judicial system.
How will this project bridge the digital divide?
The project aims to ensure that citizens without access to technology can avail themselves of judicial services from e-Sewa Kendras, thus promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
How will this project affect court proceedings?
It aims to streamline court proceedings, making them more efficient and cost-effective by allowing virtual participation, which reduces travel expenses and fosters a more streamlined and accessible judicial system.
Through the e-Courts Project Phase III, the government aims to bring a transformative change in the Indian judicial system, making it more user-friendly, transparent, and efficient, thereby promoting ease of justice for all citizens
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