Union Budget 2026–27 allocates Rs 1,200 crore for e-Courts Phase III, strengthening India’s digital judiciary. The project focuses on paperless courts, system integration, virtual hearings, and advanced data analytics under the National Mission for Justice Delivery.
The Union Budget 2026–27 has allocated Rs 1,200 crore for the implementation of Phase III of the e-Courts project, reaffirming the government’s commitment to digital transformation of India’s judicial system. The allocation has been made under the Ministry of Law and Justice, as detailed in the Expenditure Budget tabled in Parliament.
Notably, the funding for e-Courts Phase III remains unchanged from the 2024–25 Budget, which also provided Rs 1,200 crore for the project. Officials said the continued allocation reflects the long-term nature of judicial reforms and the phased execution strategy adopted by the government under the National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms.
Background of the e-Courts Project
The e-Courts project was launched in 2007 as part of the National e-Governance Plan, with the objective of leveraging information and communication technology (ICT) to modernise the Indian judiciary. Over the years, the initiative has aimed to improve efficiency, accessibility, transparency, and accountability in the justice delivery system by reducing dependence on manual processes and paper-based records.
The project has been implemented in multiple phases, each focusing on strengthening digital infrastructure and judicial administration across courts in the country.
Progress Under Phase II
According to officials, Phase II of the e-Courts project was substantially completed in 2023. This phase marked a major shift towards digital judicial services and focused on the computerisation of district and subordinate courts across India.
Key achievements of Phase II included the introduction of e-filing systems, e-payment facilities, and enhanced case information systems. These measures enabled litigants and lawyers to access court services online, track case status in real time, and make electronic payments, significantly reducing procedural delays and physical visits to court premises.
Phase II also strengthened court management systems and improved public access to judicial information, contributing to greater transparency in court functioning.
Objectives of e-Courts Phase III
The Phase III project, approved by the Union Cabinet as a Central Sector Scheme, has a total financial outlay of Rs 7,210 crore. Officials said the new phase builds upon the technological foundation laid in earlier stages and aims to move the Indian judiciary closer to a digital and paperless ecosystem.
One of the core objectives of Phase III is greater integration of court systems across all levels of the judiciary, including district courts, High Courts, and the Supreme Court. The phase also envisages expanded use of digital records and standardised data systems to ensure seamless information flow between courts.
Focus on Advanced Technology and Virtual Justice
Phase III places strong emphasis on the adoption of advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence-based tools, and decision-support systems to enhance case management and judicial administration. These technologies are expected to help courts identify case trends, reduce pendency, and improve overall efficiency.
The project also seeks to further strengthen virtual courts, video conferencing infrastructure, and online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanisms, enabling faster and more accessible justice delivery, especially for minor offences and civil disputes.
Implementation and Coordination
The e-Courts Phase III project is being implemented under the National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms in close coordination with the judiciary and other key stakeholders. Officials said sustained funding and institutional cooperation will be crucial for achieving the goal of a technologically empowered judicial system.
| Also Read: Union Budget 2026–27 bets big on Yuva Shakti, Growth |
With the continued budgetary support in 2026–27, the government aims to ensure that digital justice reforms remain on track, reinforcing public trust in the judicial process while adapting to the demands of a rapidly evolving digital society.
