CJI Surya Kant Launches e-Courts Phase III with ₹7,210 Crore Outlay, Calls Digital Justice a “Constitutional Instrument”

April 11, 2026 : The Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, on Saturday unveiled Phase III of the e-Courts Project with a substantial allocation of ₹7,210 crore, marking a decisive step toward making the justice delivery system more accessible, inclusive, and citizen-centric.

Speaking at the National Conference on Judicial Digital Transformation in New Delhi, organised under the aegis of the Supreme Court of India, the CJI emphasised that the initiative goes beyond technological expansion and seeks to fundamentally reimagine the functioning of courts.

Tracing the evolution of the e-Courts project since its inception in 2005, Justice Surya Kant noted that the initial phases focused on building foundational infrastructure. This included digitisation of court records, standardisation of case management systems, and the introduction of tools such as e-filing and virtual hearings. The second phase saw the establishment of the National Judicial Data Grid, expansion of electronic filing systems, and development of linguistic accessibility tools for the Supreme Court.

Highlighting the vision for Phase III, the CJI underscored that the focus must now shift from mere digitisation to substantive transformation of the justice delivery system. He stated that the key question is no longer whether courts are digital, but whether the system effectively serves citizens by reducing procedural and structural barriers.

Justice Surya Kant stressed that technology must not only streamline existing processes but also address deeper systemic inefficiencies. He observed that digital integration should enhance transparency, simplify legal procedures, and make the justice system more intelligible and user-friendly for all stakeholders.

A central component of Phase III is the expansion of eSewa Kendras, which act as facilitation centres for litigants. These centres enable users to access case information, file documents online, and participate in virtual hearings, particularly assisting those with limited digital access or literacy.

In a significant articulation, the CJI described digital transformation as a “constitutional instrument,” asserting that technology now plays a crucial role in advancing the rule of law. He noted that it strengthens equality before the law, broadens access to justice, and allows the judiciary to move beyond procedural rigidities.

The Chief Justice concluded by reiterating that the success of judicial reforms must ultimately be measured by their tangible impact on citizens and legal stakeholders.

During the conference, Justice Vikram Nath, Chairperson of the e-Committee, also addressed the gathering. 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 and Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada, along with judges of the Supreme Court, Chief Justices and judges of various High Courts, and senior officials from key government and technical institutions.