India’s judicial landscape has taken a significant leap forward with the inauguration of the country’s first 24-hour online court in Kollam, Kerala. Designed to streamline legal proceedings and tackle the backlog of cases, the court officially began operations on November 20, with Judicial First Class Magistrate Surya Sukumaran presiding over the initial session.
This innovative court offers litigants a fully digital platform to file and resolve cases without needing to appear in person. Hearings, arguments, and trials are conducted entirely online, ensuring greater accessibility and efficiency. While the court primarily focuses on cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881—pertaining to cheque dishonor—it also operates in a hybrid mode, allowing individuals to attend in person if preferred.
Key features of the online court include:
- Paperless Operations: All filings are submitted digitally through the court’s website, enabling round-the-clock case submissions.
- Real-Time Updates: Litigants and lawyers receive instant updates on case progress, hearings, and decisions, reducing delays.
- Integration with Agencies: The system seamlessly integrates with institutions like banks, police, and post offices for efficient document sharing.
- Digital Summons: Summonses for accused parties are electronically sent to their respective police stations. Accused individuals and their sureties can also submit bail applications and supporting documents online for quicker processing.
Senior advocate Boris Paul highlighted the benefits, stating,
“This platform allows cases to be filed anytime, anywhere, eliminating the need to wait for hearing dates or visit the court for submissions. Real-time calendaring and integration with institutions ensure a smooth flow of information and faster resolutions.”
The online court functions across three Judicial First-Class Courts and the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Kollam, setting a precedent for digital transformation in India’s judiciary.
