Quick Pointers:

• Challenges:
  • Establishing hardware, software and IT systems for courts;
  • Establishing appropriate e-filing systems and procedures; 
  • Creating skill training and recognition for paralegals.
  • Lack of awareness among people.
• Way Forward:
  • Drawing a blueprint – Involvement of judges, technologists, court administrators, skill developers and system analysts to draw up a blueprint for institutionalising online access to justice. 
  • Leveraging AI – Examining application of artificial intelligence benefiting from the database generated through e-courts projects; 
  • Framing rules – Frame appropriate rules to operationalise the e-court system.
  • Ensure accountability & Implementation – A system must be set in place for the applicant to lodge online complaints with the Legal Services Authorities who can then ensure accountability and effective implementation. 
  • Exploring other options – The other facilities that would help access to justice are online mediation, arbitration, counselling in family court matters, quick settlement of disputed insurance claims, and many more. 

Source – The Hindu