The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the eCourts Project Phase III. This is a Central Sector Scheme with a financial outlay of Rs. 7210 crore over four years, starting from 2023.
Aligned with the vision of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas” by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the eCourts Mission Mode Project plays a pivotal role in leveraging technology to enhance access to justice. The project has been in progress since 2007, and Phase III, in particular, emphasizes “access and inclusion.”
Building on the achievements of Phase I and Phase II, Phase III aims to establish a system that maximizes ease of justice by transitioning towards digital, online, and paperless courts. This involves the digitization of all court records, including legacy records, and the widespread implementation of e-Filing and e-Payments through the establishment of e-Sewa Kendras in all court complexes. Additionally, intelligent smart systems will be implemented to facilitate data-driven decision-making for judges and registries in scheduling and prioritizing cases.
The primary objective of Phase III is to create a unified technology platform for the judiciary, fostering a seamless and paperless interface between the courts, litigants, and other stakeholders.
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of eCourts Phase III will be executed through a collaborative effort between the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India, and the eCommittee, Supreme Court of India. It will follow a decentralized approach through the respective High Courts, aiming to build a judicial system that enhances accessibility, affordability, reliability, predictability, and transparency for all stakeholders.