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Supreme Court's Judicial Infrastructure Panel Submits Interim Roadmap for Court Modernisation Nationwide
The has taken a significant step toward overhauling the physical and digital infrastructure of the country's judicial system. On , the , constituted by Chief Justice Surya Kant in , submitted its interim report proposing a comprehensive roadmap for modernising courts nationwide. The blueprint, which aims to address long-standing infrastructure deficiencies and secure substantial government funding, signals a concerted push to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the .
Chaired by Supreme Court Justice Aravind Kumar, the committee includes a diverse set of members: Justice Debangsu Basak of the , Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra of the , Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan of the , and Satinder Pal Singh, Director General of the . Supreme Court Secretary General Bharat Parashar serves as the committee's Member Secretary. The formation of this panel reflects a recognition that the physical state of court complexes, working conditions for judicial officers and staff, and the pace of technological adoption directly impact the quality of justice.
A Blueprint for Change
The JIAC's interim report is not merely a list of recommendations; it is a detailed blueprint aimed at transforming how courts function. According to a Supreme Court press release, the committee has drafted a roadmap that
"addresses infrastructure deficiencies in courts and secures significant government funding for their modernisation."
This dual focus—identifying gaps and ensuring financial backing—is critical to moving beyond piecemeal improvements.
The committee's mandate covers several key areas. First, it seeks to identify infrastructure gaps that hamper effective justice delivery. These gaps include inadequate courtrooms, insufficient waiting areas for litigants and lawyers, poor facilities for judges and staff, and a lack of accessibility for persons with disabilities. Second, the committee is tasked with recommending improved facilities for all stakeholders—judges, court staff, lawyers, litigants, and visitors. Third, it proposes measures to advance computerisation under the , a project that has already digitised millions of case records but still faces significant implementation challenges in many district courts.
Addressing Chronic Deficiencies
Indian courts have long struggled with a shortage of courtrooms, outdated buildings, and inadequate sanitation and security. The ' own data has shown that many district courts operate in cramped, poorly ventilated spaces that are ill-suited to the needs of modern litigation. Lawyers and litigants often face long waits without basic amenities. The JIAC's focus on "" is a clear acknowledgment that the user experience must be improved.
The committee's interim report is expected to guide the allocation of funds from both the central government and state governments. By presenting a unified, data-driven assessment of needs, the panel hopes to encourage a more coordinated approach to infrastructure development. The involvement of the , a key government agency responsible for construction and maintenance of public buildings, underscores the practical orientation of the report.
e-Courts and the
One of the most forward-looking aspects of the committee's work is its emphasis on expanding computerisation and bridging the . The has been a cornerstone of for over a decade, but progress has been uneven. While the Supreme Court and many high courts have embraced digital case management and video conferencing, thousands of subordinate courts still lack reliable internet connectivity, adequate hardware, and trained personnel.
The JIAC's proposals include measures to ensure that all courts have access to high-speed internet, cloud-based case management systems, and digital filing platforms. The committee also wants to expand , such as online case status updates, e-payment of court fees, and for remote litigants. Perhaps most importantly, the roadmap addresses the between urban and rural courts, as well as between different states, by recommending targeted investments for under-resourced districts.
Bridging the Infrastructure Gap
Beyond technology, the committee examined ways to enhance working conditions for judicial and administrative personnel. Overburdened judges and staff often operate in cramped chambers, without adequate support staff or modern equipment. The report calls for the development of "" that integrate multiple courts under one roof, with shared facilities like libraries, mediation centres, and waiting halls. Such complexes can also streamline administration and reduce costs.
The committee's recommendations are likely to have a significant impact on the morale of the judiciary. Better infrastructure and working conditions can reduce stress and improve productivity, ultimately benefiting litigants who experience . The report also touches on security, both physical cybersecurity, a growing concern as courts become more digitised.
What Lies Ahead
Chief Justice Surya Kant had set an deadline for the submission of the interim report, indicating a sense of urgency. The full committee is expected to work on a final, more detailed report that will include cost estimates, timelines, and a phased implementation plan. The interim report itself is likely to be presented to the full Supreme Court bench and then forwarded to the government for budgetary consideration.
For the legal community, this development signals that the higher judiciary is prioritising infrastructural reform as a means to improve . Lawyers, judges, and court staff have long raised concerns about dilapidated court buildings and inadequate facilities. The JIAC's work provides a structured, comprehensive mechanism to translate those concerns into actionable policy.
The success of this initiative will depend on sustained political will and financial commitment from both the Union and state governments. However, the fact that the committee includes senior judges from multiple high courts and a high-ranking official from the suggests that it is designed to cut through bureaucratic inertia.
Conclusion
The submission of the interim roadmap for court modernisation is a landmark moment in India's journey. By combining a diagnostic assessment of infrastructure deficiencies with concrete proposals for funding and implementation, the Judicial Infrastructure Advisory Committee has laid the groundwork for a more efficient, accessible, and technologically advanced judiciary. As the committee moves toward finalising its comprehensive report, all eyes will be on how quickly the government translates these recommendations into real-world improvements. For the millions of litigants who rely on the courts for justice, the promise of modern, citizen-centric court complexes cannot come soon enough.
