Can Technology Solve India’s Court Backlog?

India’s judicial system is facing a crisis of pendency. As of 2025, over 5 crore cases are pending across various courts, ranging from the Supreme Court to district and subordinate courts. Delays in the delivery of justice not only undermine public confidence in the rule of law but also cause untold hardship to ordinary citizens. In recent years, there has been increasing optimism that technology—through digitisation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and virtual courts—can help untangle this web of backlog and deliver “justice at the speed of thought”.

But can technology alone be the panacea for India’s court pendency? Or is it just one part of a much larger solution? This article analyses the scale of the backlog, the technology initiatives rolled out so far, their successes, the roadblocks, and the way forward for India’s legal system.

The Scale of the Problem

India’s pendency issue is not new. The numbers are staggering:

• Over 5 crore cases are pending across Indian courts (district, subordinate, High Courts, and Supreme Court).
• The Supreme Court alone has over 80,000 pending matters.
• On average, a High Court judge handles around 2,000 cases, while in certain states like Uttar Pradesh, the load can be as high as 15,000 cases per judge.
• The judge-to-population ratio is abysmally low at 15 judges per million, compared to the Law Commission’s recommended 50.

The consequences are severe: delayed justice, prolonged incarceration of undertrials, increased litigation costs, loss of evidence over time, and declining faith in the justice system.

How Technology is Being Used to Tackle Backlog

Recognising the scale of the problem, the government and judiciary have made significant investments in technology over the last two decades. Here are some of the key technology initiatives:

e-Courts Mission Mode Project

Launched in 2007 and now in its third phase, the e-Courts Project aims to computerise court processes, digitise case records, introduce e-filing, SMS/email notifications, and provide online access to case status.

Key features include:

• Computerisation of over 18,700 courts
• e-Filing of cases and e-Payments for court fees
• Digital display boards and online cause lists
• Electronic case management for judges

National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)

NJDG is a centralised database that provides real-time data on case pendency, institution, and disposal across all district and subordinate courts.

Benefits:

• Data-driven policy-making and benchmarking between states
• Transparency for the public and media
• Enables identification of pendency hotspots

Virtual Courts and Video Conferencing

COVID-19 accelerated the use of virtual courts. Today, many courts hear matters via video conferencing, especially bail hearings, remand matters, and even final arguments. Virtual courts for petty offences (such as traffic challans) allow parties to settle matters online, without ever visiting court.

e-Filing and e-Sewa Kendras

E-filing allows lawyers and litigants to file cases and documents from anywhere, reducing crowding at court complexes. e-Sewa Kendras offer digital support for those without personal access to technology, acting as facilitation centres.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Pilot projects are underway for:

• AI chatbots to answer common queries
• ML tools for defect detection in filings
• Predictive analytics to flag likely delays
• Automated case law research tools

SMS/Email Alerts

Litigants are notified of hearing dates, adjournments, or orders via SMS or email, reducing the need for repeated visits.

Success Stories: Where Technology Made a Difference

Faster Disposal of Petty Cases

Virtual courts for traffic challans and minor offences in Delhi and Faridabad disposed of thousands of cases quickly, freeing up judicial time for more serious matters.

Transparency and Accountability

The NJDG has shone a light on pendency statistics, making it harder for authorities to ignore the problem. The public can now track the progress of cases online.

Reduced Paperwork and Queues

E-filing and online payments reduce time spent waiting in lines. Judges have digital access to case records, making hearings more efficient.

Pandemic Response

When physical courts were shut during COVID-19, virtual hearings ensured that bail, urgent matters, and even some final arguments could continue.

Challenges: Why Technology Alone May Not Be Enough

While technology has been a game-changer in some respects, there are significant challenges that limit its effectiveness in solving the backlog crisis.

Digital Divide

A large number of district and taluka courts, especially in rural India, lack stable internet, computers, or trained staff. Many litigants and even lawyers struggle with basic digital literacy.

Implementation Gaps

The success of technology initiatives varies widely across states. While some states like Kerala have achieved nearly 100% digitisation, others lag far behind, due to funding, bureaucratic inertia, or lack of will.

Resistance to Change

Many stakeholders—judges, lawyers, court staff—are accustomed to traditional paper-based processes and may be reluctant to adopt new technology, especially when it changes established hierarchies or fee structures.

Data Security and Privacy

With digitisation comes the risk of data breaches, misuse of sensitive information, and questions around data ownership. Robust data protection policies are not yet uniformly in place.

Limited Scope of Current Technology

While e-filing and virtual courts can speed up routine matters, most serious criminal and complex civil cases still require detailed oral hearings, cross-examination of witnesses, and physical evidence review.

AI Limitations

While AI can help sort and manage data, it cannot (yet) replace the nuanced reasoning, empathy, and discretion required in judicial decision-making.

Technology as an Enabler, Not a Magic Bullet

It is important to understand that technology is a powerful enabler but not a substitute for judicial manpower, better legal procedures, or systemic reforms. Technology cannot appoint judges, fill vacancies, or streamline archaic laws on its own. It works best when combined with:

• Increased judicial recruitment: More judges are needed to handle the sheer volume of cases.
• Procedural reforms: Fast-track courts, summary procedures for minor cases, and strict control of adjournments.
• Legal aid and awareness: Many citizens are unaware of their digital rights or the availability of e-services.
• Continuous training: Judges, lawyers, and court staff need regular training to keep up with technological advancements.

The Road Ahead: What Should India Do?

Scale Up Infrastructure

Priority should be given to connecting every court in the country with high-speed internet, reliable hardware, and secure software. Power backup and cybersecurity must be ensured.

Expand E-Courts to All Levels

Every court, from Supreme Court to the smallest taluka court, should be brought onto the e-Courts platform. This includes e-filing, e-payments, and online cause lists.

Use Data Analytics for Resource Allocation

Data from NJDG can be used to identify pendency hotspots, allocate more judges, or set up special benches where needed.

Promote Digital Literacy

Regular training for judges, staff, and lawyers, especially in rural areas, is critical for the success of digital initiatives. e-Sewa Kendras should be set up in every district.

Integrate AI and Machine Learning

Expand pilot projects to mainstream courts—use AI for sorting routine applications, flagging defective filings, scheduling cases efficiently, and providing legal research support.

Update Laws to Allow Virtual Hearings

Existing laws should be amended to allow for hybrid (physical + virtual) hearings wherever possible, especially for procedural matters.

Increase Data Privacy and Security

A robust legal framework for data protection and privacy must be put in place, given the sensitive nature of court records.

Encourage Public-Private Partnerships

Tech companies and law firms can help develop user-friendly digital platforms, train stakeholders, and build innovative solutions under government supervision.

Conclusion

Can technology solve India’s court backlog? The honest answer is: not by itself, but it is a crucial part of the solution.

Technology has already shown its power to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in pockets of the judicial system. E-courts, virtual hearings, NJDG, e-filing, and AI pilots are positive steps, but their impact will be limited without systemic changes, robust infrastructure, and increased judicial capacity.

What is needed is a holistic approach: combine technology with administrative reforms, more judges, better training, procedural streamlining, and legal literacy campaigns. Only then can India’s courts truly deliver on the promise of “justice delayed is justice denied” and transform it into “justice delivered, digitally and on time”.