'It will enhance judicial efficiency': CJI Chandrachud hails Rs 7,000-cr allocation for e-courts project

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Chandrachud hailed the proposed budgetary allocation of Rs 7,000 crore in 2023-24 for phase three of the eCourts Project. He said that it will enhance judicial institutions and efficiency while ensuring courts reach every citizen. He was addressing the 73rd anniversary of the establishment of the Supreme Court. He said that during the COVID-19 pandemic period, the top court adopted video conferencing of court proceedings to reach out to the people. He also said that between March 23, 2020, and October 30, 2022, the apex court heard 3.37 lakh cases through video conferencing. CJI said, 'above all, the message in this uniquely citizen-centric initiative is an assurance that the court exists to protect our citizens from injustice, their liberties are as precious to us and that the judges work in close connection with the citizens.' CJI Chandrachud stressed that for the court, there are no big or small cases, as every matter is important, and because it is in the seemingly small and routine matters involving grievances of citizens that issues of constitutional and jurisprudential importance emerge.