CJI Surya Kant Launches ₹7,210 Crore e-Courts Phase III To Transform Access Across India

Speaking at a two-day National Conference on Judicial Digital Transformation in New Delhi, the CJI said that the project marks a shift from mere digitisation to a deeper structural transformation of the justice system. He emphasised that the initiative is not just about introducing technology in courts, but about fundamentally reimagining how justice is delivered to citizens.

Tracing the evolution of the e-Courts project since its inception in 2005, the CJI noted that the earlier phases were largely focused on building foundational infrastructure. These included computerisation of courts, standardisation of case management systems, and the introduction of digital tools such as e-filing and virtual hearings. Phase II further advanced this digital journey through the creation of the National Judicial Data Grid, expansion of e-filing services, and the development of translation tools such as the Supreme Court’s Vidhik Anuvad software.

However, Phase III, he said, represents a decisive transition beyond infrastructure. “The question is no longer whether courts are digitised, but whether the system itself is being transformed to better serve citizens,” the CJI remarked, highlighting the need to address structural inefficiencies and procedural barriers through technology.

The new phase, conceptualised by the e-Committee of the Supreme Court and supported by the Government of India, focuses on bridging the digital divide and extending judicial services to the remotest parts of the country. Emphasising inclusivity, the CJI stressed that digitisation must ensure meaningful access for all, particularly for those in rural and underserved regions.

A key component of this initiative is the expansion of eSewa Kendras, facilitation centres designed to assist litigants with services such as accessing case status, filing documents, and participating in virtual hearings. These centres aim to support individuals who may lack digital literacy or access to technological resources, ensuring that digitisation does not become a barrier to justice.

Several new digital tools and integrations were also unveiled alongside Phase III. These include a Single Sign-On (SSO) system for unified access to judicial platforms, electronic delivery of court documents, and integration between e-Courts and e-Prisons systems. Additionally, the updated e-Courts Services Mobile App (Version 4.0) was launched to enhance user experience and accessibility.

Significantly, the CJI described digital transformation as a “constitutional instrument” that strengthens the rule of law. He noted that technology is no longer merely an administrative convenience, but a means to ensure equality before the law, expand access to justice, and overcome procedural rigidities within the system.

Justice Vikram Nath, who chairs the e-Committee, also addressed the inaugural session. The event was attended by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada, among other key stakeholders.

The conference, organised by the Supreme Court of India’s e-Committee in collaboration with the Department of Justice, is being held on April 11 and 12, 2026.