The eCourts Mission Mode Project stands as a beacon of modernization in India’s judicial landscape, aiming to revolutionize the country’s court system through digital transformation. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Law and Justice, this ambitious endeavor seeks to leverage Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to streamline court proceedings, enhance transparency, and expedite case resolutions.
Project Phases and Milestones
Initiated in 2011, the eCourts Project embarked on its Phase I, focusing on the fundamental computerization of district and subordinate courts. With an investment of Rs. 639.41 crore, this phase laid the groundwork for local network connectivity and basic ICT infrastructure.
Building upon the successes of Phase I, Phase II (2015-2023) expanded its scope to encompass citizen-centric e-services and the interconnection of over 18,000 courts through a wide area network (WAN). With a budget of Rs. 1670 crore, Phase II marked significant progress in enhancing access to justice and facilitating digital interactions between courts, litigants, and stakeholders.
Unveiling Phase III: A Paradigm Shift in Legal Digitization
The Union Cabinet’s approval of eCourts Phase III in September 2023 heralded a new era in legal digitization, with a budgetary allocation of Rs. 7210 crore. This transformative phase is poised to further elevate the eCourts ecosystem, introducing innovative technologies and advanced e-services to bolster the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system.
Financial Allocations and Expenditure
Over the past five years, the eCourts Project has witnessed steady financial support, with allocations and releases outlined as follows:
2019-20: Allocated Rs. 180 crore, with Rs. 179.26 crore released.
2020-21: Allocated Rs. 180 crore, with Rs. 179.31 crore released.
2021-22: Allocated Rs. 98.92 crore, with Rs. 98.30 crore released.
2022-23: No funds released as Phase II outlay was exhausted.
2023-2024: Received Rs. 825 crore, with Rs. 212.79 crore released as of January 10, 2024.
Notably, the Ministry of Finance released Rs. 225 crore from the Contingency Fund of India in October 2023, kickstarting Phase III implementation. These funds, earmarked for critical infrastructure development and digitization initiatives, underscore the government’s commitment to modernizing the legal ecosystem.
Towards a Digitally Empowered Justice System
As the eCourts Project enters its third phase, the vision of a digitally empowered justice system moves closer to realization. By harnessing the power of technology, the project aims to expedite case resolutions, enhance accessibility, and uphold the principles of fairness and transparency in legal proceedings.
With meticulous planning, strategic investments, and unwavering commitment, the eCourts Mission Mode Project is poised to usher in a new era of judicial excellence, advancing India’s quest for a modern, efficient, and inclusive legal framework.
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