Authored By: Afrin Akhtar
Amex Law College Under University of Burdwan
Abstract
The Supreme Court of India has rolled out an upgraded e-filing portal powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), marking a major step in the digital transformation of the judiciary. This article examines the key features of the new platform, the legal foundation enabling its implementation, and the practical impact it may have on access to justice. It also explores potential challenges such as data protection, digital literacy, and transparency in algorithmic processes. Through doctrinal references and policy analysis, the article argues that the initiative has the potential to strengthen procedural efficiency and inclusivity, provided the transition is accompanied by strong safeguards and user-oriented reforms.
Introduction
Digital innovation has steadily reshaped the functioning of courts in India. From virtual hearings to e-copies of orders, technology is now integral to ensuring timely and transparent justice. Continuing this momentum, the Supreme Court of India has recently launched a new AI-assisted e-filing system on a pilot basis. The initiative seeks to simplify procedural compliance, reduce avoidable delays, and enhance the user experience for litigants and advocates, reaffirming the constitutional goal of meaningful access to justice.
Why the New System Was Needed:
For many years, the Indian judiciary has been gradually moving toward digital reforms. Although e-filing portals already existed in several courts through the earlier phases of the e Courts Project, they often suffered from fragmented features, inconsistent user experiences, and technical limitations. Lawyers were required to navigate separate platforms for filing cases, requesting certified copies, or seeking virtual hearing links. This led to delays, compliance errors, and repeated visits to the court registry.
By introducing an integrated, AI-assisted portal, the Supreme Court is addressing these long standing gaps. The new platform consolidates essential services into a single interface, making the filing journey more intuitive and reducing the chances of procedural mistakes that previously caused frequent rejections or defects.
What’s New in the AI-Backed Platform:
While the upgraded portal retains all traditional filing features, it introduces several enhancements that set it apart from earlier version
- Unified Login for Multiple Services
The platform brings together various court-related services filing, certified copy applications, and hearing preferences under one login. For legal practitioners who handle multiple cases every day, this consolidation significantly reduces time spent navigating different online modules.
- Support for Physical, Virtual, and Hybrid Hearings
One of the most important upgrades is the seamless integration of hearing modes. Lawyers can now indicate whether they prefer a physical appearance, a virtual link, or a hybrid arrangement during the filing stage itself. This change aligns with the broader transformation in court functioning that began during the pandemic, where virtual hearings became a practical necessity.
- AI Assistance for Defect Detection
Perhaps the most innovative feature is the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify defects in filings. The system can check for missing documents, wrong formats, incomplete annexures, and other common errors. Traditionally, such issues would be flagged only after a human registry officer reviewed the submission, causing delays. AI-assisted screening can drastically reduce this back-and-forth.
- Phased Launch Without Abandoning the Old System
Recognizing that technology transitions can be challenging, the Supreme Court has adopted a cautious approach. The new platform will operate alongside the existing filing system for a while. This ensures that users who face difficulties with the upgraded version can still complete filings without disruption.
- Integration of Technical Research
The Supreme Court’s earlier collaborations with technical institutions such as IIT Madras have contributed to the development of AI modules that can extract metadata, categorize documents, and assist the registry in workflow management. These research-backed tools are now being gradually embedded into the new filing interface.
The Role of AI in Judicial Administration:
Contrary to common misconceptions, the Supreme Court’s AI tools are not designed to influence judicial decision-making. Instead, they serve purely administrative functions. By automating repetitive tasks, AI can reduce the workload of registry officials and accelerate the initial scrutiny of documents.
Some of the immediate benefits include:
Fewer filing errors due to automated prompts
Uniform scrutiny standards across filings
Faster movement of cases to the hearing stage
Enhanced case-data management through structure extraction
This approach reflects a larger global trend: courts around the world are deploying AI mainly for document management, translation, categorization, and preliminary scrutiny while leaving judicial functions untouched.
How the Change Affects Lawyers and Litigants
- Faster, More Efficient Processes
For advocates who manage heavy caseloads, time is a valuable resource. The new platform reduces the administrative burden by simplifying filings, minimizing defects, and allowing multiple services from one dashboard. Faster scrutiny means cases can be listed sooner, benefiting both lawyers and clients.
- More Accessible Court Participation
Hybrid and virtual hearings have made the Supreme Court more accessible for litigants from remote areas. The new portal’s integrated hearing options further strengthen this advantage. Litigants who previously spent significant money and time travelling to Delhi may now participate in proceedings more efficiently.
- Reduced Registry Visits
Routine matters such as seeking certified copies or checking case status can now be completed online. For lawyers who frequently handle paperwork, this saves time and reduces the inconvenience of physically visiting the court.
- Need for Digital Training
As with any technological shift, there will be a learning curve. Lawyers, clerks, law students, and self-represented litigants may require training to comfortably navigate the new features. Bar associations may play a significant role in organizing workshops and guidance sessions. However, once the system is understood, the benefits are substantial.
Jurisprudential and Procedural Foundations:
Although, no major judgment directly interprets the new e-filing system, several judicial decisions establish the legal foundation for technological upgradation to match the problem of pendency of cases in courts.
- The Right to Access Justice
In Anita Kushwaha v. Pushap Sudan, the Apex Court held that access to justice is a facet of Article 21. Digital systems that reduce obstacles financial, geographic, procedural align squarely with this constitutional directive.
- The Court’s Own Supervisory and Rule-Making Powers
Under Article 145 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court possesses plenary rule-making authority for regulating its practice and procedure. This empowers the Court to implement digitization measures, including AI-enabled filing.
- Judicial Recognition of Technology as a Tool of Equality
In Swapnil Tripathi v. Supreme Court of India,¹¹ the Court recognized open courts as essential to transparency and permitted live-streaming of proceedings in selected cases. This reasoning strengthens the legitimacy of technological reforms aimed at public accessibility.
- The “Irreversible” Shift Toward E-Filing
In a significant 2023 order, a Bench led by CJI Chandrachud urged all courts and tribunals to transition to e-filing, describing digital filing as an “irreversible process.”¹² Although not a full fledged judgment, such an administrative direction carries persuasive institutional authority.
Challenges and Concerns to Keep in Mind:
Despite its potential, the upgraded platform must overcome several challenges to ensure smooth adoption:
- Data Security and Privacy
Legal filings often contain sensitive personal information, financial records, medical data, and confidential communications. When such documents are stored online, strong cybersecurity safeguards become crucial. The judiciary must maintain full control over data and ensure encryption, secure access protocols, and clear data-retention rules.
- AI Transparency
Users should be informed about the extent of AI involvement in defect detection. If the system flags an error incorrectly, there must be an easy mechanism for manual correction. Transparency is essential to maintain trust and prevent confusion about how filings are assessed.
- Bridging the Digital Divide
Not all litigants or lawyers possess high-speed internet access or familiarity with digital platforms. Rural litigants, elderly individuals, and economically disadvantaged users may face challenges navigating online systems. To avoid excluding them, physical filing counters, assisted-filing centers, and help desks must remain operational.
- Reliability of AI Tools
Although AI can reduce defects, it is not infallible. Misclassifications, formatting errors, and false positives can occur. The system must be continuously updated, tested, and monitored to ensure accuracy. Human oversight should remain central.
- Vendor Accountability
If external technology providers or private vendors contribute to the platform’s development, strict contractual safeguards must be in place to protect user data and prevent misuse. Transparency in procurement decisions also plays a key role in maintaining trust.
The Importance of a Pilot Approach:
Launching the system in pilot mode shows the Supreme Court’s commitment to responsible technological adoption. During this phase, real-time feedback from the Bar, litigants, and registry staff will guide further refinement. Coexistence with the old system ensures that filing deadlines are not affected and that users can gradually adapt.
This iterative model allows the judiciary to:
* Identify bugs early
* Improve user interface based on feedback
* Strengthen AI accuracy
* Streamline workflows before a full-scale rollout
It also signals institutional maturity modernization is pursued without compromising accessibility or procedural fairness.
A Step Forward for India’s Digital Judiciary:
The introduction of an AI-enabled e-filing system reflects a broader vision of judicial transformation. Over the past decade, Indian courts have adopted digital display boards, virtual courtrooms, live-streaming in some constitutional cases, and digital case records. The new filing portal is another layer in this evolving digital infrastructure.
For law students and interns, this development offers an invaluable learning opportunity. As future legal professionals, understanding technology in the justice system will be essential. Lawyers will increasingly need to work with digital records, manage online hearings, and interact with tech-assisted administrative tools.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s new AI-backed e-filing platform represents a major milestone in India’s journey toward a modern, efficient, and accessible justice system. By combining digital convenience with AI-driven assistance, the judiciary is signaling its readiness to embrace technological reforms while maintaining necessary safeguards.
If implemented with care ensuring security, transparency, and inclusivity the upgraded platform can reduce procedural burdens, speed up case movement, and enhance the experience of litigants and lawyers alike. While challenges remain, the initiative demonstrates a forward-looking approach that acknowledges the realities of a digital society.
For a legal intern observing this transition, the launch is not just a technological update it is a glimpse into the future of legal practice. Courts are evolving, and so must the legal professionals who appear before them. This new system stands as a reminder that procedural law, administration, and technology are no longer separate spheres, but increasingly interconnected pillars of justice delivery.
List of All Sources Used in the Article:
Primary Authorities
1. Cases
All India Judges’ Ass’n v. Union of India, (2002) 4 S.C.C. 247.
Anita Kushwaha v. Pushap Sudan, (2016) 8 S.C.C. 509.
Swapnil Tripathi v. Supreme Court of India, (2018) 10 S.C.C. 639.
2. Constitutional Provisions
India Const. art. 21.
India Const. art. 39A.
India Const. art. 145.
3. Statutes
Digital Personal Data Protection Act, No. 22 of 2023, Acts of Parliament, 2023 (India). II. Secondary Authorities
4. Government Publications and Official Documents
Ministry of Law & Justice, Press Release, eCourts Mission Mode Project Phase III Approved (2023).
Ministry of Law & Justice, Press Release, AI Tools in Case Management: Implementation and Deployment (2024).
Ministry of Law & Justice, eSCR Project: AI-Enabled Translation Initiative (2023). Supreme Court of India, Press Release, Launch of E-Filing 2.0 (May 12, 2023).
Supreme Court of India, Real-Time Transcription Initiative for Constitution Bench Hearings (2023).
Supreme Court Registry, E-Office and E-Filing Statistics Report (Oct. 2023). III. Journalistic and News Sources
CJI B.R. Gavai Announces Launch of New Version of E-Filing Portal, LiveLaw (Nov. 20, 2025).
Supreme Court Urges Adoption of E-Filing as “Irreversible” Process, Hindustan Times (2023).
Citations:
- See LiveLaw, CJI BR Gavai Announces Launch of New Version of E-Filing Portal (Nov. 20, 2025).
- Press Release, Ministry of Law & Justice, eCourts Mission Mode Project Phase III Approved (Aug. 2023).
- All India Judges’ Ass’n v. Union of India, (2002) 4 S.C.C. 247.
- Ministry of Law & Justice, supra note 2.
- Press Release, Supreme Court of India, Launch of E-Filing 2.0 (May 12, 2023). 6. Supreme Court Registry Report, E-Office Statistics (Oct. 2023).
- LiveLaw, supra note 1.
- Press Release, Supreme Court of India, Real-Time Transcription Initiative (2023). 9. Ministry of Law & Justice, eSCR Project: AI-enabled Translation (2023). 10. Press Release, Ministry of Law & Justice (2024).
- Anita Kushwaha v. Pushap Sudan, (2016) 8 S.C.C. 509.
- Swapnil Tripathi v. Supreme Court of India, (2018) 10 S.C.C. 639. 13. Hindustan Times, Supreme Court Urges Adoption of E-Filing (2023).
Abbreviation Full Form / Meaning
AI Artificial Intelligence
AI-NLP Artificial Intelligence – Natural Language Processing Art. Article (of the Constitution of India)
CJI Chief Justice of India
CM/ECF Case Management / Electronic Case Files (U.S. Federal Courts) eSCR Electronic Supreme Court Reports (AI-enabled translation initiative) IA Interlocutory Application
OCR Optical Character Recognition
PACER Public Access to Court Electronic Records (United States Judiciary) SCI Supreme Court of India
SC Supreme Court
S.C.C. Supreme Court Cases (Indian law report series)
