Welcome to the Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary, a dedicated initiative to strengthen India's judicial system. This project aims to provide essential infrastructure across all levels of courts, ensuring efficient and accessible justice for every citizen.
Focus Areas
- Court Complexes and Residential Quarters: Construction of modern court buildings with adequate courtrooms, waiting areas, and chambers will improve case flow and create a more conducive environment for judges, lawyers, and litigants. Additionally, building residential quarters for judicial officers will enhance their work-life balance and attract talent.
- Digital Transformation: Integrating technology into court proceedings is crucial. We will establish digital courtrooms with video conferencing facilities and computer rooms to enable e-filing, online hearings, and digital case management systems.
- Gram Nyayalayas: These village courts play a vital role in bringing justice closer to rural communities. We will support the establishment of well-equipped Gram Nyayalayas to provide accessible and speedy resolution of local disputes.
Transforming Justice Delivery
- Reduced Pendency and Backlog: Improved infrastructure will streamline court processes, leading to faster case resolution and reduced case backlog.
- Enhanced Accessibility: Modern facilities and Gram Nyayalayas will make the justice system more approachable for all citizens, especially those residing in remote areas.
- Improved Efficiency: Technology integration will promote efficient case management and information sharing within the judiciary.
- Strengthened Judicial System: Modern infrastructure empowers judges and court staff, leading to better decision-making and a more robust judicial system.
The infrastructure facilities for the judiciary in India are undergoing improvement, with a focus on both physical infrastructure and technological advancements. Here's a breakdown of the current status:
Physical Infrastructure
Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS): This scheme, initiated in 1993-94, provides financial assistance to states for building court halls, residential units for judicial officers, lawyer chambers, digital courtrooms, and sanitation facilities [Department of Justice, India]. The central government recently extended the scheme until 2026 with a budget of Rs. 9000 crore. This aims to construct 3800 court halls, 4000 residential units, and other supporting facilities.
Technological Advancements
eCourts Project: This initiative aims to integrate technology into the judiciary system. It offers various services like SMS and email alerts, a multilingual court portal, judicial service centers, information kiosks, and mobile apps for lawyers and judges.
Challenges
Despite these efforts, there are challenges:
Uneven Infrastructure Development: Infrastructure development varies across states, with some facing backlogs in court halls and facilities.
Success Stories
- West Bengal: The construction of a new high court complex with digital courtrooms in Kolkata has resulted in a 20% decrease in case pendency within two years.
- West Bengal: The establishment of a well-equipped Gram Nyayalaya in South Naldanga has provided villagers with easier access to justice, resolving over 100 local disputes within the first year.
- National Level: The implementation of the e-filing system has streamlined case filing procedures nationwide, saving time and resources for both lawyers and court staff.
These are just a few examples of how the Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary initiative is making a positive impact on India's judicial system.
Conclusion
By investing in infrastructure, we are building a stronger and more accessible judicial system for India. This will ensure timely and fair delivery of justice, fostering a society built on the rule of law.
