Previously, payment of advocate fees involved manual verification and submission of hard copies to the Pay & Accounts Office, resulting in delays and paper-heavy workflows. The upgraded e-Bill module now enables end-to-end electronic processing, ensuring uniformity and timely payments to Law Officers and Panel Advocates while minimizing human errors.
The system generates a unique Claim Reference Number (CRN) for every bill, allowing administrative units to track progress in real-time. Once digitally verified and signed by the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO), the payment is directly transferred to the advocate’s bank account through PFMS, eliminating the need for physical file movement.
Enhanced Features and Expansion Plans
The Central Agency Section (CAS) successfully implemented the e-Bill module in February 2025 for panel advocate payments. Building on this success, the DLA is preparing to extend the system to additional litigation units, including the Delhi High Court. A Retainer Fee Module is also under consideration to streamline periodic payments for Law Officers.
This digital integration reduces processing time, ensures standardization, and enhances environmental sustainability by eliminating paper use. The initiative aligns with the broader goals of Digital India and Ease of Doing Business by simplifying internal processes and improving citizen-centric service delivery.
Strengthening Governance and Efficiency
Through the LIMBS-PFMS integration, the Department of Legal Affairs demonstrates the benefits of digital transformation in government processes. Enhanced real-time tracking, uniform workflows, and quicker disbursals reflect improved administrative efficiency and accountability. The initiative is also a key contributor to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 by modernizing legal payment systems and setting benchmarks for other government departments.