Abstract
This study examines India’s digital transformation in the judicial sector, focusing on the eCourts Mission Mode Project and the eCourts Services Mobile Application. The eCourts initiative, implemented in multiple phases, has revolutionized judicial processes through comprehensive ICT integration, digitization of court records, online case management, and virtual court proceedings.
The mobile application, a central tool, provides 24×7 access to case information, orders, and cause lists for all stakeholders. Backed by significant government funding and the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and blockchain, the project aims to enhance accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in the legal system.
The study outlines the structural components, funding allocations, technological advancements, and the impact on stakeholders, demonstrating how these initiatives bridge the digital divide, promote paperless courts, and set a benchmark for digital governance in the judiciary.
Introduction
India’s judiciary has undergone a profound digital transformation in recent years, marked by ambitious reform initiatives and the widespread adoption of technology across the judicial ecosystem. The eCourts Mission Mode Project, launched under the National e-Governance Plan, and the eCourts Services mobile application together exemplify the country’s commitment to modernizing legal processes and improving access to justice for millions of citizens.
The project unfolds over multiple phases, with each phase expanding the scope of integration—from basic computerization of courts to sophisticated platforms powered by cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and automated workflows. The eCourts Services mobile application, available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, brings key court services directly to users’ smartphones, making vital case information, orders, and cause lists accessible around the clock.
Against the backdrop of a rapidly digitizing world, this digital transformation effort seeks not only to enhance judicial efficiency and transparency but also to bridge the technological divide among citizens. By leveraging the latest advances in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), India’s judiciary aspires to deliver timely, affordable, and inclusive justice for all.
Overview of eCourts Mission Mode Project
The eCourts Services mobile application and the wider eCourts Mission Mode Project represent a significant leap in the digital transformation of India’s judiciary, aiming for improved access, efficiency, and transparency in legal proceedings. The project, now in Phase III (2023–2027), demonstrates both the centrality of technology and substantial financial commitment to modernizing judicial infrastructure and processes.
eCourts Services Mobile Application
- Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, enabling 24×7 access to case status, cause lists, and court orders.
- Retrieval Parameters: CNR, party names, advocate names, FIR number, case type, or relevant Act.
- Integration: Direct access to the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) for district and taluka courts—providing info on more than 27 crore judgments and orders.
- Features:
- QR code scanning for quick access to case details
- “History of the Case” feature
- Links to judgments/orders
- Date Case List feature for advocates
- As of May 2021, downloads exceeded 5.81 million, reflecting its widespread adoption among judiciary members, advocates, litigants, police, and government agencies.
eCourts Mission Mode Project: Phases and Expenditure
Phase I (2011–2015)
- Focused on basic computerization, hardware, and internet connectivity.
- Expenditure: ₹639.41 crore from an outlay of ₹935 crore.
- Computerized 14,249 courts; provided laptops, LAN, hardware, and training for judicial officers/staff.
Phase II (2015–2023)
- Aimed at ICT enablement and citizen-centric initiatives.
- ₹1668.43 crore spent from an outlay of ₹1670 crore.
- Digital infrastructure for 18,735 courts, WAN connectivity for 99.5% of court complexes, extensive video conferencing, and the NJDG platform.
- e-filing, e-payment, and widespread adoption of video conferencing positioned India as a global leader in digital hearings.
Phase III (2023–2027): Budget and Major Components
| Component | Allocation (₹ crore) |
|---|---|
| Scanning, Digitization, Preservation | 2,038.40 |
| Cloud Infrastructure | 1,205.23 |
| System & Application Software Development | 243.52 |
| Virtual Courts | 413.08 |
| AI and Blockchain Technology | 53.57 |
| Capacity Building (ICT Training) | 208.52 |
| Additional Hardware | 643.66 |
Approved by the Cabinet for ₹7,210 crore (over four times Phase II), Phase III intends to establish unified, paperless, digital courts and provide a seamless platform for all judicial stakeholders.
Approach to Technology and Software
The Case Information Software (CIS) is built using Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), reflecting a hybrid model of custom development and market procurement. This ensures sustainability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
Key Outcomes and Features
- Inclusion: Services accessible to those without technology via eSewa Kendras.
- Paperless & Digitized Judiciary: Facilitates environmental conservation and efficiency.
- Virtual Courts: Expands non-traffic case hearings, saving time and costs.
- Smart Systems: AI, ML, OCR, and NLP enhance case analysis and scheduling.
- Automated Summons: NSTEP enables electronic process service to minimize delays.
- Video Conferencing: Over 3 crore cases heard via VC till October 2024, linking courts and jails.
Training and Capacity Building
Over 605 ICT training programs have trained nearly 6.6 lakh stakeholders, including judges, staff, and advocates, up to October 2024. Programs cover e-filing, video conferencing, and case management tools. The lawyers’ mobile app reached 2.69 crore downloads.
Detailed Implementation: eCourts Mission Mode Project
The Department of Justice, Government of India, implements the eCourts Project in coordination with the eCommittee of the Supreme Court of India and respective High Courts.
Phase I (2011–2015): Focused on hardware setup, connectivity, and training. Key achievements included computerization of 14,249 courts and training of 14,000+ judicial officers in Ubuntu-Linux systems.
Phase II (2015–2023): Emphasized ICT enablement, WAN connectivity, NJDG integration, e-filing, video conferencing, and citizen access through eSewa Kendras and mobile applications.
Phase III (2023–2027): Approved with an outlay of ₹7,210 crore, this phase focuses on digital and paperless courts, expansion of online services, cloud-based repositories, AI-driven analytics, and nationwide coverage through eSewa Kendras.
Ministerial Statement
This information was provided by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law & Justice, and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Cabinet Approves eCourts Phase III for Four Years
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the eCourts Project Phase III as a Central Sector Scheme spanning four years (2023 onwards) with a financial outlay of ₹7,210 crore.
Vision and Objective
In line with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas”, the eCourts Mission Mode Project is the prime mover for improving access to justice using technology.
As part of the National eGovernance Plan, the e-Courts Project has been under implementation since 2007 for ICT enablement of the Indian Judiciary, with Phase II concluding in 2023. Phase III of the e-Courts Project in India is rooted in the philosophy of “Access and Inclusion”.
Goals of eCourts Phase III
Taking the gains of Phase I and Phase II to the next level, eCourts Phase III aims to usher in a regime of maximum ease of justice by:
- Moving towards digital, online, and paperless courts through digitization of the entire court records, including legacy records.
- Universalizing e-Filing and e-Payments through the saturation of all court complexes with e-Sewa Kendras.
- Enabling intelligent systems for data-based decision-making for judges and registries.
- Creating a unified technology platform for the judiciary, providing a seamless and paperless interface between courts, litigants, and stakeholders.
Implementation Structure
The Central Sector Scheme of eCourts Phase III is being implemented under the joint partnership of:
- Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India
- eCommittee, Supreme Court of India
Implementation will occur in a decentralized manner through respective High Courts to develop a judicial system that promotes ease of justice by making it more accessible, affordable, reliable, predictable, and transparent for all stakeholders.
Components of eCourts Phase III
Below is the requested budget breakdown for the eCourts Mission Mode Project (Phase III):
| S. No. | Component | Allocation (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scanning, Digitization and Digital Preservation of Case Records | 2,038.40 |
| 2 | Cloud Infrastructure | 1,205.23 |
| 3 | Additional Hardware to Existing Courts | 643.66 |
| 4 | Infrastructure in Newly Set Up Courts | 426.25 |
| 5 | Virtual Courts | 413.08 |
| 6 | eSewa Kendra | 394.48 |
| 7 | Paperless Court | 359.20 |
| 8 | System and Application Software Development | 243.52 |
| 9 | Solar Power Backup | 229.50 |
| 10 | Video Conferencing Set-up | 228.48 |
| 11 | e-Filing | 215.97 |
| 12 | Connectivity (Primary + Redundancy) | 208.72 |
| 13 | Capacity Building | 208.52 |
| 14 | CLASS (Courtroom Live-Audio Visual Streaming System) | 112.26 |
| 15 | Human Resources | 56.67 |
| 16 | Future Technological Advancements | 53.57 |
| 17 | Judicial Process Re-engineering | 33.00 |
| 18 | Disabled Friendly ICT Enabled Facilities | 27.54 |
| 19 | NSTEP | 25.75 |
| 20 | Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) | 23.72 |
| 21 | Knowledge Management System | 23.30 |
| 22 | e-Office for High Courts & District Courts | 21.10 |
| 23 | Integration with Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) | 11.78 |
| 24 | S3WAAS Platform | 6.35 |
| Total | 7,210.00 | |
Key Features and Technological Advancements
- Digitization of Court Records: Forms the foundation for all digital services, reducing paper-based filings and physical document movement.
- Virtual Participation: Enables participation in court proceedings remotely, reducing travel costs for judges, witnesses, and other stakeholders.
- Online Payments: Facilitates the payment of court fees, fines, and penalties from anywhere, anytime.
- Expanded e-Filing: Reduces time and human error in filing documents while preventing additional paper-based record creation.
Use of Advanced Technologies
The project incorporates the latest technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to create a “smart” judicial ecosystem.
- Registries will have less data entry and minimal file scrutiny, leading to better decision-making and policy planning.
- Smart scheduling and intelligent systems will optimize the workload of judges and lawyers.
Expansion of Virtual Courts
Virtual courts will expand beyond traffic violation cases, eliminating the need for physical presence of litigants or lawyers in court.
Automation and Efficiency
- Enhanced accuracy and transparency in court proceedings.
- Automated delivery of court summons through the expansion of NSTEP (National Serving and Tracking of Electronic Processes).
- Significant contribution towards the reduction of pending cases through efficient and technology-driven processes.
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Improve Organizational Structure
Break large text blocks into clearly labeled sections: Abstract, Introduction, Project Phases, App Features, Funding, Technology Approach, Outcomes, Capacity Building, and Conclusion.
Use subheadings and bullet points within sections for readability, especially when listing features, funding allocations, or technical components.
Include a section on methodology if the paper uses primary or secondary data, surveys, interviews, or case studies for analysis (if applicable).
Add Comparative and Critical Analysis
Provide a comparison with digital judicial reforms in other countries—use a short table to highlight how India’s approach (scale, technology, inclusion) differs or leads in certain areas.
Discuss specific challenges (like data privacy, digital literacy, rural internet access, court adoption barriers) and how the project addresses these or plans to do so in Phase III.
Highlight Impact and Stakeholder Perspectives
Present quantitative data on improvements in case disposal rates, reduction in pendency, or expanded access to remote or underserved populations, citing recent statistics where available.
Quote testimonials or user feedback from litigants, lawyers, or judges to illustrate the practical impact of the app and platform.
Expand on Emerging Technologies
Elaborate on new technologies (AI, blockchain, cloud) implemented under Phase III and their expected role in automation, analytics, and transparency.
Offer brief future outlooks—mention upcoming features, anticipated AI or blockchain-driven services, and plans for interoperability with other governance platforms.
Conclusion
India’s eCourts Project exemplifies effective digital governance, with the mobile app and the mission mode initiative delivering greater transparency, accessibility, and efficiency across the entire legal system. The continued investment and advancement in Phase III are set to deepen digital integration, making justice simpler, faster, and more inclusive for all citizens.
eCourts services mobile application received the Digital India award as a revolutionary court information tool in the country. eCourts Services mobile application is available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Case status, cause lists, Court orders can be accessed through this mobile app, making these services available 24X7. It is a useful tool for members of the judiciary, advocates, litigants, police, government agencies and other stakeholders. It facilitates retrieval of data relating to cases pending in the court system across various parameters such as CNR [a unique number assigned to each case filed in a district or taluka court], parties name, advocates name, FIR number, case type or relevant Act.
The data available on the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) for district and taluka courts can now be accessed through this mobile app. The number of downloads has reached more than 58,15,211 (5.81 million) as of 07.05.2021 and is demonstrative of the popularity and utility of this application.
The app has been updated with a QR code feature. A user can consequently get case details on a mobile phone by simply scanning the QR code. The QR code can be obtained from the eCourts website and eCourts services mobile application. It also incorporates a ‘History of the Case’ feature which enables one to view all events relating to and orders passed in a particular case from the time of its first hearing down to its current status. Links are provided in the app itself to view judgments and orders passed in cases. The Date Case List feature facilitates the generation of cause lists for advocates. The Indian government allocated ₹243.52 crore specifically for “System and Application Software Development” under Phase III of the e-Courts Project, which spans from 2023 onwards.
This software spending is part of a larger total outlay for the project, which digitalizes and modernizes the judiciary. The funding for the e-Courts project is handled by the Department of Justice in coordination with the e-Committee of the Supreme Court.
Comparative Overview (Illustrative Table)
| Country | Technology Used | Inclusion Focus | Scale of Implementation |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | AI, Blockchain, Cloud | Nationwide (Urban + Rural) | All Judicial Levels |
| Singapore | Blockchain Filing System | Urban Focus | Centralized Courts |
| United Kingdom | AI Document Review | Moderate | High Courts Focus |
Suggestions for Improvement
Visual Aids
- Integrate tables to compare budget allocations and project phases.
- Use flowcharts to depict digital case management processes or the flow of case information within eCourts.
- Add screenshots of the eCourts Services Mobile App or dashboard features for better illustration (if permitted by publication guidelines).
Language, Referencing, and Clarity
- Remove repetition and unify terminology — consistently use “eCourts Services Mobile App” instead of alternating similar terms.
- Double-check all numerical figures and cite quantitative data, laws, and project milestones with proper, up-to-date references from authoritative sources such as:
- Government reports
- Supreme Court communications
- Press Information Bureau (PIB) releases
- Ensure the language remains objective and maintains a critical academic tone, particularly when discussing project impact and challenges.
Conclusion Enhancement
- End with a nuanced assessment of both achievements and ongoing challenges, recommending areas for further research or policy intervention.
- Conclude by situating the Indian judiciary’s digital transformation within the broader context of digital governance efforts in India and globally.
Recommended References
| Source | Link |
|---|---|
| e-Committee, Supreme Court of India – Project Overview | https://ecommitteesci.gov.in/project/brief-overview-of-e-courts-project/ |
| Official PDF Report (2024) | https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/…/202407161620804267.pdf |
| Vikaspedia – e-Governance Overview | https://egovernance.vikaspedia.in/…/e-courts |
| West Bengal Judicial Academy – Brief on e-Courts Project | https://www.wbja.nic.in/…/Brief on e-courts Project.pdf |
| Parliamentary Annexure | https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/258/AU1065.pdf |
