Context:
Union Cabinet Approves Phase III of the e-Courts Mission Mode Project.
e-Courts Project:
- Objective – To enhance the ease of justice by transitioning to digital, online, and paperless courts through the digitization of all court records.
- Implementation Timeline – The project has been ongoing since 2007, with Phase I and II implemented from 2011-15 and 2015-23, respectively.
- Part of National e-Governance Plan,
e-Courts Mission Mode Project Phase III:
- Duration – 4 years (2023 to 2027).
- Goal – To establish a unified technology platform for the judiciary, ensuring a seamless and paperless interface between courts, litigants, and other stakeholders.
- Implementation: Managed by High Courts (HCs).Funding – Released to HCs by the Department of Justice (Ministry of Law) based on recommendations from the e-Committee (Supreme Court of India).
- e-Committee – Responsible for policy planning, strategic direction, and guidance for the project’s implementation.
- Components –
- S3WAAS Platform – Supports secure and efficient data storage and access.
- e-Seva Kendra – Offers electronic services and assistance to users
- CLASS System – Facilitates live audio-visual streaming in courtrooms.
- Virtual Courts – Enables remote court proceedings through digital platforms.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens?
1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000
2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs. 2,00,000
3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than Rs. 3,00,000
4. All Senior Citizens
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 4 only
Answer: (a)