India took a significant step towards digitizing its judiciary with the launch of its first digital court dedicated to handling cheque bounce cases. Named 24*7 ONCOURTS, this digital court was inaugurated on a Friday in Kollam, Kerala, by Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai of the Supreme Court.
What is 24*7 ONCOURTS?
24*7 ONCOURTS is a groundbreaking initiative that brings the entire court process online. From the moment a case is filed until a judgment is passed, everything will be done digitally. This means that case registration, admissions, appearances, hearings, and orders will all be handled through an online platform.
A Landmark Moment for Kerala’s Judiciary
Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, called this a historic day for the state’s judiciary. The initiative is expected to streamline the handling of cheque bounce cases, which make up around 10% of all court cases in the country. By automating the process, the goal is to increase productivity and reduce the backlog of cases.
Future Expansion
The ONCOURT project is set to begin accepting cases in September 2024. If it proves successful, similar digital courts may be established throughout the state.
Challenges and Opportunities
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud was scheduled to launch several other technology-driven initiatives aimed at improving judicial efficiency. Unfortunately, he could not attend the event due to unforeseen circumstances. However, Nandan Nilekani, co-founder and non-executive chairman of Infosys, emphasized the importance of automation in resolving not just cheque bounce cases but also cases under the Motor Vehicles Act, which also account for a significant percentage of court cases.
Integration of Technology in Courts
Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V of the Kerala High Court highlighted the benefits of integrating technology into the court system. He explained that the new system would make court processes more accessible and predictable. A smart scheduling system will ensure that hearings happen on time, and litigants will be informed of their case status in real time. The digital court will also be linked with key institutions like banks and the police, making information exchange seamless.
Additional Initiatives Launched
The launch event also saw several other important initiatives:
- We-Solv Vimaal Solution Maker: An online dispute resolution system developed by the Kerala judiciary to facilitate online deliberations, streamline dispute resolution, and enhance efficiency and transparency.
- Special Courts in Ernakulam and Alappuzha: These courts will specifically handle cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Act, 2019.
- CCTV Surveillance Unit: Kerala’s Minister of Finance, KN Balagopal, inaugurated a state-of-the-art CCTV surveillance unit in the High Court complex.
- Digital Empowering Kerala Initiative: Law Minister P Rajeeve discussed this initiative, which aims to enhance digital literacy and internet accessibility across the state.
- Model Digital Courtroom: Justice Gavai also launched a Model Digital Courtroom developed by the Kerala High Court. This courtroom is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional courtrooms by utilizing advanced internet and computer technology.
Conclusion
The inauguration of India’s first digital court in Kerala marks the beginning of a new era in the country’s judicial system. By embracing technology, the judiciary is taking steps to ensure that justice is not only served but served efficiently and transparently. The success of 24*7 ONCOURTS could pave the way for more digital courts across the state, potentially transforming the way cases are handled in India.
