Virtual Court System in India: An Experiment

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an economic depression and has also affected the health and industrial sectors of the whole world. In addition to this, there was also a massive change in how various nations perceive and serve justice without actually coming into contact with the help of the internet.

During the COVID-19 crisis, where few took it as a danger, the courts took it as an opportunity to serve justice without hindrance, with the help of increasing internet facilities and accessibilities, India, including other nations like the United States, Brazil, Turkey, UK, Canada, Italy, China, Singapore, Europe, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Peru, and Hungary.

The virtual courts pose to be an effective means to conduct court proceedings, removing the geographical barriers and increasing the productivity of courtrooms. However, it also includes the technical glitches that come with it, such as connectivity issues and various other challenges. While on the other hand, the need for virtual courts during the pandemic cannot be ignored.
This research paper will mainly focus on the E-Court Project initiated by the Parliament of India on September 18th, 2020. It will answer the most controversial question of whether virtual courts were appropriate alternatives for open courts during the COVID-19 pandemic or not.

Further, the paper will discuss the benefits and advantages of the e-courts, issues, and challenges faced while shifting to them and operating them. Moreover, it will also bring to various light situations where virtual courts were already used in India and what were the issues faced at that time.

Keywords: COVID-19 Crisis, Virtual Courts, E-Court Project, Parliament of India