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E-Seva Kendras: Digital Access Under e-Courts Project

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity

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Why in news

As of 30 June 2026, 2,584 e-Seva Kendras are operational across 25 High Courts under the e-Courts Mission Mode Project. This update was provided in a Rajya Sabha reply by the Law Minister, highlighting progress in digital judicial services.

Background

The e-Courts Project is a flagship initiative of the Indian judiciary to digitize court processes. E-Seva Kendras are citizen-centric facilitation centres aimed at bridging the digital divide, providing access to e-filing, online payments, virtual courts, and free legal services.

Key facts

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  1. 2,584 e-Seva Kendras operational as of 30 June 2026 across 25 High Courts.

  2. Of these, 49 are in High Court premises and 2,535 in district courts.

  3. Bombay High Court has the highest number (354), followed by Madras (317) and Allahabad (127).

  4. Total funds released for e-Seva Kendra setup: ₹300.22 crore.

  5. Kendras provide guidance on e-filing, online payment, virtual court, video conferencing, and free legal aid via DLSA/HLSC.

  6. Under Phase III, centres are upgraded to advanced citizen service centres with disability-friendly IT, multilingual interfaces, and user-centric delivery.

  7. Continuous efforts focus on capacity building, awareness, technical support, and adoption of enhanced digital services.

  8. Centres are established by High Courts in consultation with the e-Committee of the Supreme Court.

Prelims pointers

  • e-Courts Mission Mode Project
  • e-Seva Kendra
  • e-Committee of the Supreme Court of India
  • Phase III of e-Courts Project
  • District Legal Services Authority (DLSA)
  • High Court Legal Services Committee (HLSC)
  • Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 593 dated 23 July 2026
  • Total funds: ₹300.22 crore
  • Bombay High Court: highest number of e-Seva Kendras (354)
  • Operational in 25 High Courts as of 30 June 2026

Mains angles

  • Discuss the role of e-Seva Kendras in bridging the digital divide in access to justice.
  • Examine the effectiveness of the e-Courts Project in enhancing judicial efficiency and transparency.
  • Analyze the challenges in implementing digital judicial services in rural and remote areas.
  • Evaluate the impact of Phase III upgrades on inclusivity for persons with disabilities.