The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant today formally launched Phase III of the e-Courts project, involving an outlay of Rs 7210 crores, describing it as a transformative step aimed at making justice delivery seamless, inclusive, and accessible across the country.
Addressing a two-day National Conference on Judicial Digital Transformation held in New Delhi, CJI Surya Kant emphasised that the initiative is not merely about expanding technology in courts, but about reimagining how the justice system functions at its core.
Tracing the journey from the launch of the e-Courts project in 2005, the CJI noted that earlier phases focused on building infrastructure—computerising courts, standardising case management systems, and introducing digital tools such as e-filing and virtual hearings. He explained that Phase II of the digital transformation journey led to the creation of the National Judicial Data Grid, the expansion of e-filing, and the development of the Supreme Court's Vidhik Anuvad software.
He stressed that technology must expand access, bridge distances, and make the system more intelligible to those it serves. Phase III represents a shift beyond infrastructure. “The question is no longer whether courts are digitised, but whether the system itself is being transformed to better serve citizens.”, said CJI. The CJI stressed that technology must go beyond speeding up existing processes and instead address structural inefficiencies and procedural barriers. Phase III, conceptualised by the e-Committee and supported by the Government of India, aims to extend digital justice to the remotest parts of the country.
The initiative focuses on bridging the last-mile digital divide, ensuring access in rural and underserved regions, and making court services available to citizens irrespective of geography or economic status. The CJI highlighted that the success of digital reforms lies in their ability to reach those who are traditionally excluded from the system. “In a country as diverse as India, digitisation cannot succeed unless it ensures genuine accessibility.”, CJI said.
Also, Phase III aims to expand eSewa Kendras, which act as facilitation centres for litigants. These centres assist users in accessing case status, filing documents, and participating in virtual hearings, to support individuals who may lack digital literacy or resources, ensuring that technology does not become a barrier to justice.
Alongside Phase III, several digital initiatives were introduced to enhance efficiency and user experience, including Single Sign-On (SSO) for unified access to judicial platforms, electronic delivery of court documents, and integration between e-Courts and e-Prisons systems. Significantly, the CJI described digital transformation as a “constitutional instrument” that strengthens the rule of law.
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