Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud’s tenure has been characterized by a series of transformative administrative reforms, marking a significant shift towards a more accessible and technologically advanced judiciary. As he completes one year in office, a reflection on the milestones achieved reveals a determined push for an e-revolution within the Indian judicial system.
Under CJI Chandrachud’s leadership, the Supreme Court has embraced technological innovations, including the upgradation of the Integrated Case Management System (ICMIS) and the launch of an online RTI portal, enabling public queries under the Right to Information Act concerning the Supreme Court. The establishment of E-Sewa Kendras has been a boon, attending to over 2,400 queries since inception, and the E-filing initiatives have significantly reduced the court’s carbon footprint.
The e-Copying module, another technological stride, has been developed to expedite obtaining certified copies. Furthermore, the Su-Swagatham portal has facilitated over 69,236 visitors in obtaining e-passes for the Supreme Court, enhancing the visitor experience.
CJI Chandrachud’s efforts have also led to the e-Supreme Court Reports (eSCR) project, which provides digital versions of Supreme Court Reports free of cost, greatly benefiting young lawyers and law students. The neutral citations system for judgments of the Supreme Court and High Courts ensures a uniform pattern for citing judgments, with over 36,000 judgments available on the eSCR.
In a significant move towards inclusivity, the Supreme Court launched a
“Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes”
and took steps to include the LGBTQIA+ community within the Supreme Court premises by creating Universal Rest Rooms. The online appearance portal launched earlier this year was also made gender-neutral.
CJI Chandrachud has been instrumental in prioritizing cases involving personal liberty, directing that ten bail applications and ten transfer petitions be listed before every bench of the Supreme Court daily. A new mechanism reserves each day of the week for addressing cases relating to specific categories, ranging from criminal matters to arbitration.
Despite the fresh filing of 51,384 cases, the pendency figure of the Supreme Court has been kept in check, with the arrears as of October 20, 2023, standing at 70,754, indicating a high case disposal rate.
CJI Chandrachud’s global outreach is evident from his leadership of the Indian Delegation for the Eighteenth meeting of Chief Justices/Chairpersons of the Supreme Courts of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. His participation in international conferences and meetings, including the Cambridge Pro Bono Project and the Edinburgh Law School, has furthered judicial cooperation and global dialogue.
The infrastructural developments under his tenure are noteworthy, with the Additional building complex now housing facilities such as a Training cum Examination Centre, Yoga and Recreational Hall, Health and Wellness, and an upcoming Creche. The Judges’ library has been modernized and digitalized, and a 6 feet high sculpture of the ‘Goddess of Justice’ has been installed, symbolizing the court’s commitment to justice.
As CJI Chandrachud continues his mission, the Indian judiciary’s e-revolution stands as a testament to his commitment to reforming and modernizing India’s legal system, with a focus on inclusivity, efficiency, and accessibility.
