The eCourts Evolution
The journey began in 2007 with the launch of the e-Courts Mission Mode Project by the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law & Justice. Initially focused on computerisation and digital case tracking, the project has gradually evolved into a nationwide digital backbone for courts.
Through successive phases, courts adopted electronic filing, digital service of summons, automated cause lists and Case Information Systems (CIS). Phase III, launched in 2023 with a substantial financial outlay, aims to integrate advanced technologies including AI, Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP).
AI in Courtroom Transcription
One of the most visible AI deployments has been in live transcription of court proceedings. The Supreme Court has used AI-powered Automatic Speech Recognition systems to generate near real-time transcripts of Constitution Bench hearings.
These transcripts enhance transparency and improve record accuracy. While AI processes spoken arguments, final validation remains under human supervision, ensuring reliability and judicial control.
Bridging Language Barriers with AI
Language diversity has long posed a challenge in India’s justice system. To address this, the Supreme Court introduced SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software), an AI-driven translation tool that converts judgments into 18 Indian languages.
Using NLP, translated judgments are published on the Electronic Supreme Court Reports (eSCR) portal, expanding access for litigants across linguistic backgrounds. Translation committees oversee quality checks to ensure constitutional and legal accuracy.
Smarter Filing and Registry Systems
AI is also assisting court registries in identifying procedural defects in e-filings. Developed in collaboration with institutions such as IIT Madras, these tools use ML and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to examine petitions, annexures and compliance requirements.
Rather than replacing registry officials, the system flags possible errors early, reducing delays and improving administrative efficiency.
Legal Research Assistance: SUPACE and LegRAA
The Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court Efficiency (SUPACE) and the Legal Research Analysis Assistant (LegRAA) represent experimental AI tools designed to help judges navigate large volumes of case law.
These platforms analyse documents, extract references and organise materials for easier review. Importantly, they do not recommend judgments or substitute judicial reasoning. Their role remains strictly assistive.
Integration with Core Judicial Infrastructure
AI tools are embedded within platforms such as the Integrated Case Management & Information System (ICMIS) and CIS 4.0. These systems support digital case access, e-notices, dashboards and real-time updates across High Courts and District Courts.
This integration ensures that AI operates within institutional boundaries rather than as standalone decision-making systems.
AI in the Criminal Justice Ecosystem
Beyond courtrooms, AI is being layered into the Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), which connects police, courts, prisons and forensic databases. The “one data, one entry” approach improves information reliability and reduces duplication.
Systems such as the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) create searchable national repositories, enabling faster and more consistent identification processes.
Safeguards and Governance
The Supreme Court has constituted dedicated committees to oversee AI adoption, data security and bias mitigation. All tools operate under policy frameworks approved within the e-Courts Phase III project boundaries.
With an outlay of ₹7,210 crore under Phase III, funding supports technological advancement while ensuring judicial independence remains uncompromised.
Technology as an Enabler, Not a Substitute
Despite rapid digital adoption, the judiciary maintains a clear principle: AI assists but never replaces judges. Decision-making authority continues to rest entirely with the bench.
By reducing procedural friction, enhancing research efficiency and breaking language barriers, AI is quietly strengthening India’s justice system. The transformation reflects a constitutional balance leveraging innovation to widen access, while preserving the human judgment that defines justice.
