The Supreme Court of India has initiated a pilot project in Warangal district of Telangana to better integrate two important pillars of the criminal justice delivery system – the courts and police stations. This initiative, known as the Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), will facilitate a live exchange of data between all criminal courts and police stations across the country.
Unpacking the Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS)
The ICJS is a significant initiative of the Supreme Court’s eCommittee, headed by Justice MB Lokur, who also holds the position of Chairman of ICJS. This groundbreaking project aligns with the Government’s Digital India initiative, set to enhance e-governance within the nation.
Through the ICJS, the courts aim to streamline procedures and save critical time spent on paperwork and producing documentary evidence such as the first information reports (FIR) and charge sheets. Additionally, the system promises to simplify the tracking of court proceedings for investigating officers.
The Next Phase: Expanding Data Sharing and Spreading Across the Country
As the ICJS moves into its next phase, plans are in place to extend the system’s data sharing capabilities to other states. Furthermore, the initiative aims to expand to prisons, forensic facilities, the prosecution system, and juvenile homes, ensuring a more seamless integration of the entire criminal justice system.
Digitalisation of the Judiciary through the e-Courts Project
Parallel to the ICJS is the e-courts project, another initiative that tends towards the digital revolution of the judiciary. The project’s objective is the computerisation of district and subordinate courts throughout the country. It’s currently in its final stages of implementation, having already covered 16,755 district courts.
The project has initiated several electronic services, including e-summons, SMS alerts to lawyers and litigants, and electronic filing (e-filing).
Key Figures and Data: A Snapshot
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Digitised District Courts | 16,755 |
| District and Taluka Court Complexes on NJDG | 2,852+ |
| Cases on National Judicial Data Grid | Over 100 million |
The Impact of the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)
Initiated in August 2013, The e-Courts National portal (ecourts.gov.in) has facilitated a significant digital presence for the judiciary. Since its inception, over 2,852 District and Taluka Court Complexes have established their presence online through the NJDG portal.
The NJDG functions as a national data warehouse, housing case data, including orders and judgments for courts across the country. Notably, the NJDG has significantly aided India’s improved positioning in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report.
