Types of E-Courts
Overview
E-Courts are digitized judicial systems leveraging technology for case management, virtual hearings, and electronic filings, part of India’s E-Courts Project under the National e-Governance Plan.
District E-Courts
District E-Courts handle civil and criminal cases at the district level with digital tools for case tracking and virtual proceedings.
- Purpose: Streamline case management and reduce physical hearings.
- Examples: Civil suits, criminal trials, bail applications.
- Legal Basis: E-Courts Mission Mode Project, IT Act, 2000.
High Court E-Courts
High Court E-Courts manage appeals and writs with advanced digital infrastructure for e-filings and video conferencing.
- Purpose: Facilitate appellate jurisdiction and complex cases digitally.
- Examples: Appeals, PILs, writ petitions.
- Legal Basis: E-Courts Project Phase I-III, CPC, CrPC.
Judicial Officer (E-Courts)
Overview
Judicial officers (district judges or magistrates) preside over cases in E-Courts, managing virtual hearings and digital records.
Key Responsibilities
- Adjudicate cases via virtual platforms.
- Review e-filed documents.
- Issue digital orders/judgments.
- Ensure compliance with IT laws.
- Coordinate with IT staff.
Educational Pathway
- LLB (5-year integrated or 3-year post-bachelor’s).
- Optional: LLM.
- 5-7 years legal practice or judicial service exam.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue 5-year LLB or 3-year LLB after bachelor’s.
- Clear law entrance exams.
- Pass judicial service exams, appointed via state judiciary.
Entrance Exam
- LLB: CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, state-level (MH-CET Law, AP LAWCET).
- Judicial: State Judicial Service Exams (e.g., PCS-J, DJS).
Top Institutions
Government:
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
- National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
- National Law University (NLU), Delhi
- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
- National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur
Private:
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
- Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
- Amity Law School, Noida
- Christ University School of Law, Bengaluru
- ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad
Course Duration
- 5-year LLB or 6 years (3-year bachelor’s + 3-year LLB).
- LLM: 1-2 years (optional).
- Experience/Training: 1-2 years post-exam.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹1-3 lakh (LLB).
- Private: ₹5-15 lakh (LLB).
IT Administrator (E-Courts)
Overview
Manages technical infrastructure for E-Courts, ensuring seamless operation of digital platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain e-filing systems.
- Manage video conferencing tools.
- Ensure cybersecurity compliance.
- Troubleshoot technical issues.
- Train staff on digital tools.
Educational Pathway
- B.Tech/BCA in Computer Science or IT.
- Optional: MCA/M.Tech in IT.
- 3-5 years experience in IT administration.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (Science stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue B.Tech/BCA.
- Clear entrance exams.
- Gain experience, apply via government recruitment.
Entrance Exam
- B.Tech: JEE Main, state-level (MHT-CET, WBJEE).
- BCA: University-specific exams.
- Appointment: Selection based on experience.
Top Institutions
Government:
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
- National Institute of Technology (NIT), Surathkal
- Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad
- University of Delhi, Delhi
Private:
- Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore
- Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
- Amity University, Noida
- Christ University, Bengaluru
Course Duration
- B.Tech/BCA: 3-4 years.
- MCA/M.Tech: 2 years (optional).
- Experience: 3-5 years.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹1-4 lakh (B.Tech/BCA).
- Private: ₹5-15 lakh (B.Tech/BCA).
Registrar (E-Courts)
Overview
Manages administrative operations of E-Courts, overseeing e-filing and digital case management.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage e-filing/scheduling.
- Ensure compliance with IT rules.
- Supervise staff.
- Maintain digital records.
- Assist judicial officers.
Educational Pathway
- LLB/BBA/BA (administration) + 5-10 years experience.
- Optional: LLM/MBA.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue 5-year LLB or 3-year BBA/BA.
- Clear entrance exams.
- Gain 5-10 years experience, apply via government recruitment.
Entrance Exam
- LLB: CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, state-level.
- BBA/BA: CAT, XAT, university exams.
- Registrar: Selection based on experience.
Top Institutions
Government:
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi
- National Law University (NLU), Delhi
- Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
Private:
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
- Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
- Amity Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Noida
- Christ University School of Law, Bengaluru
- Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar
Course Duration
- 5-year LLB or 6 years (3-year bachelor’s + 3-year LLB).
- BBA/BA: 3 years.
- LLM/MBA: 1-2 years (optional).
- Experience: 5-10 years.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹1-3 lakh (LLB), ₹50,000-₹2 lakh (BBA/BA).
- Private: ₹5-15 lakh (LLB), ₹3-10 lakh (BBA/MBA).
Court Managers
Overview
Streamlines digital operations of E-Courts, appointed via government recruitment.
Key Responsibilities
- Schedule digital cases.
- Manage e-filing platforms.
- Coordinate IT/staff.
- Prepare digital reports.
- Assist judicial officers.
Educational Pathway
- LLB/BBA/BA (administration) + 2-5 years experience.
- Optional: LLM/MBA.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue 5-year LLB or 3-year BBA/BA.
- Clear entrance exams.
- Apply via government recruitment.
Entrance Exam
- LLB: CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, state-level.
- BBA/BA: CAT, XAT, state-level.
- Court Manager: Government exams.
Top Institutions
Government:
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
- Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi
- National Law University (NLU), Delhi
- Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
Private:
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
- Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
- Amity Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Noida
- Christ University School of Law, Bengaluru
- Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar
Course Duration
- 5-year LLB or 6 years (3-year bachelor’s + 3-year LLB).
- BBA/BA: 3 years.
- LLM/MBA: 1-2 years (optional).
- Experience: 2-5 years.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹1-3 lakh (LLB), ₹50,000-₹2 lakh (BBA/BA).
- Private: ₹5-15 lakh (LLB), ₹3-10 lakh (BBA/MBA).
Court Clerks
Overview
Handles digital clerical tasks like e-filing and record-keeping in E-Courts.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain digital case records.
- Perform e-filing/data entry.
- Manage digital correspondence.
- Support IT operations.
- Assist judicial officers.
Educational Pathway
- 12th or BA/B.Com + optional diploma in office management/IT.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue bachelor’s (optional).
- Apply via SSC exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC CGL/CHSL, court-specific exams (typing tests).
Top Institutions
Government:
- University of Delhi, Delhi
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government Polytechnic Colleges
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai
Private:
- St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Christ University, Bengaluru
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
Course Duration
- Bachelor’s: 3 years.
- Diploma: 1 year (optional).
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹10,000-₹50,000 (bachelor’s), ₹5,000-₹20,000 (diploma).
- Private: ₹50,000-₹3 lakh (bachelor’s), ₹20,000-₹50,000 (diploma).
Stenographers
Overview
Records and transcribes virtual proceedings in E-Courts, using digital tools.
Key Responsibilities
- Transcribe virtual hearings.
- Record digital proceedings.
- Manage e-documentation.
- Maintain digital records.
- Support clerks.
Educational Pathway
- 12th or BA/B.Com + diploma in stenography.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue bachelor’s (optional).
- Enroll in stenography course.
- Apply via SSC exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC Stenographer C&D, court-specific exams (shorthand/typing tests).
Top Institutions
Government:
- University of Delhi, Delhi
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government Polytechnic Colleges
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai
Private:
- St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Christ University, Bengaluru
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
Course Duration
- Bachelor’s: 3 years.
- Stenography diploma: 6 months-1 year.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹10,000-₹50,000 (bachelor’s), ₹5,000-₹20,000 (diploma).
- Private: ₹50,000-₹3 lakh (bachelor’s), ₹20,000-₹50,000 (diploma).
Bailiffs
Overview
Executes digital and physical orders of E-Courts (e.g., e-summons, notices).
Key Responsibilities
- Serve e-summons/notices.
- Execute court orders.
- Maintain virtual order.
- Assist judicial officers.
- Report execution status.
Educational Pathway
- 10th/12th + optional diploma in court administration.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 10th/12th.
- Pursue diploma (optional).
- Apply via SSC exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC MTS, court-specific exams.
Top Institutions
Government:
- Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government colleges offering BA/B.Com
- State government polytechnics
Private:
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
- Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
- Christ University, Bengaluru
Course Duration
- Diploma: 6 months-1 year.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹5,000-₹20,000 (diploma).
- Private: ₹20,000-₹50,000 (diploma).
Process Servers
Overview
Delivers digital and physical documents of E-Courts (e.g., e-summons, notices).
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver e-documents.
- Ensure timely service.
- Report delivery status.
- Assist bailiffs.
- Comply with digital procedures.
Educational Pathway
- 10th/12th + optional diploma in court administration.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 10th/12th.
- Pursue diploma (optional).
- Apply via SSC exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC MTS, court-specific exams.
Top Institutions
Government:
- Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government colleges offering BA/B.Com
- State government polytechnics
Private:
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
- Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
- Christ University, Bengaluru
Course Duration
- Diploma: 6 months-1 year.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹5,000-₹20,000 (diploma).
- Private: ₹20,000-₹50,000 (diploma).
Peons and Support Staff
Overview
Performs basic operational tasks (e.g., logistics, maintenance) in E-Courts.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain court premises.
- Assist with logistics.
- Support digital operations.
- Manage supplies.
- Ensure virtual room readiness.
Educational Pathway
- 8th/10th + optional vocational training.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 8th/10th.
- Pursue vocational training (optional).
- Apply via SSC exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC MTS, court-specific exams.
Top Institutions
Government:
- Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- State government polytechnics
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government schools
Private:
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
- Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
- Christ University, Bengaluru
Course Duration
- Vocational training: 3-6 months (optional).
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹2,000-₹10,000 (training).
- Private: ₹10,000-₹30,000 (training).