PM Modi launches integrated case management system of Supreme Court in presence of CJI

On May 10, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Integrated Case Management Information System(ICMIS) of the Supreme Court. Chief Justice of India (CJI), J S Khehar and Union Law and IT Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad were also present at the occasion.

• CJI Jagdish Singh Khehar has proposed to integrate the system with all the 24 high courts and the subordinate courts.

Expected Benefits from Integrated Case Management System of the Supreme Court:

• This system will serve as a digital repository for case-related information, enabling litigants to access data and retrieve information online. All records of cases (pertaining to all stages) at district court or high court will be available in digital form.
• It is a step in the direction of paperless Supreme Court, which contributes to saving environment as well as achieving the vision of ‘Digital India’.
• It is expected to bring transparency in the overall process and thereby reduce scope for manipulation as the litigants will be able to track the progress of case on real-time basis.
• Central and State government departments will be able to know if they have been made party to the case. This will help them to prepare for the case accordingly.
• To keep the litigant informed about the cost involved in the process, an online calculator for court fee and process fee has been provided. The system will also operate as an online payment gateway for the same.
• A streamlined filing process will help in reducing the time in filing pleadings for both, the advocates and the registry.
• In future, there is a scope to integrate jail inmates and under-trials, so as to make it a holistic system.

This is another instance where Government has adopted technology based innovation to improve the functioning of legal system in India. Earlier, on April 20, 2017, Union Law Ministry launched three technology-backed initiatives – pro-bono legal services, a tele-law service and ‘Nyaya Mitra’ scheme – for offering legal aid to the marginalised, poor and vulnerable communities.