e-initiatives of the High Court of Kerala

Case Management System (CMS)

The Internet based Case Management System was rolled out in 2019 replacing the Intranet Case Information System (CIS). With the newly added features like e-Filing of Cases, automatic Case allocation, automated causelists, real time Court proceedings, online interim Order/ Judgments, automated delivery of digitally signed Orders to concerned lower Courts/Police stations/jails etc, the CMS has been a gamechanger and facelifter for the Justice administration system in the state. CMS is the first Court Management Software system in the country which has the ability to automatically consume the data of e-Filed Cases.

High Court Website

A revamped GIGW compliant dynamic  Web portal for the High Court is launched. All the services related to Kerala High Court  have been  integrated with the new web site application. Website provides details  like High Court History, Ecourts services, Subordinate Courts details,Notice boards , cause list search, Case Status,Judgements and Orders and links for certified copy, efiling applications.Visit site…  

Judicial Officers Personal Information System

JOPIS is a workflow based comprehensive application to maintain and manage the Personal and Service details of Judicial Officers . It is an intelligent and common platform for all Judicial Officers irrespective of their cadre, type and place of posting.
The system has functionalities like management of Personal and Service profile of Judicial Officer, Publishing of Official Memorandum & Circulars, Online Transfer Application for eligible officers, Address book of Judicial officers and features like :-
• Judicial Officer Dashboard..
• Identification of Vacant Court .
• Automatic population of Judicial officers due for transfer.
• Administrative control over fixing of transfer norms.
• Management of transfer applications. Visit site…

e-Filing

The e-Filing application developed by the in-house IT team of the High Court is an ideal solution for continuing uninterrupted administration of Justice irrespective of restrictions on human movement. It requires no physical infrastructure to facilitate new Case filing, taking up pending matters, e-payment of requisite fees, scrutiny of Cases, publication of cause lists, virtual hearing of Cases, recording of proceedings, passing of interim Orders/Judgments using digital signatures, and making them available online. This system has additional features like, web editor for entry of synopsis, statement of facts, system generated docket and index, counter affidavit, etc. FSOs (Filing Scrutiny Officers) will also be able to scrutinize the applications online including noting defects, defects cured by Advocate/party in persons, re-submission by Advocate/party in persons. The online dashboard facility enables Case file view by Judges, Advocates, PS to Judge, PA to Judge, party in person, Standing Counsel, Central Government Counsel, State Government Pleader, Public Prosecutor, Filing Scrutiny Officer, Section Assistant, Section Officer, Assistant Registrar etc. Advocates/CGC/AG officials interact with the system through dashboards.
Quick e-Filing is an additional option for e-Filing. In Order to reduce the time taken for e-F filing, the IT Directorate has implemented quick e-Filing mode in addition to the existing e-Filing module reducing the number of steps to four. It will enable the entry of all metadata in the first stage, uploading of all Case file documents in the second stage, e-Payment in third stage and OTP authentication in the fourth stage.

Paperless Courts

Paperless Smart Courts/Digital Courtrooms are conceived to achieve the cardinal purpose of enhancing speed in the dispensation of Justice and to improve access to Court information for the public and above all reduce administrative cost, while increasing efficiency in Court proceedings.

As of today, six Courtrooms in the High Court are fully transformed into Paperless smart digital Courtrooms. Some of the facilities that comes as part of the smart Courtrooms defines for itself the magnitude of improvements that they are going to bring in. Some of them are Case Display System, Virtual hearing with hybrid facility, Integrated audio solution (mic with speaker), kiosk- information at the tip of the finger, all in one- touch machine, wi-fi connected Courtrooms, real-time updated Case proceedings and e-Sewa kendra : a help desk for providing assistance in e-filing of Cases.

The Paperless Court concept is implemented in two pilot locations in the district Judiciary; one Judicial First Class Magistrate Court and one Addl. Chief Judicial Magistrate Court identified by the hon’ble High Court of Kerala. The project envisages covering all functionalities incurred in a Magistrate Court in Paperless mode. The repository of Case documents are created by consuming efiled Cases and by scanning of existing files. An online application is being developed by NIC High Court unit in coordination with the it directorate under guidance of hon’ble High Court computer committee which will cater to the needs of all stakeholders; such as Judges, Advocates, Police, prison and Court officials for managing the digitised documents. The integration of various applications like icjs, efiling 3.0 etc can be done in Order to accelerate the process of speedy disposal of Cases in a Paperless environment. The various organs of the project may consist of both intranet as well as web based application for Magistrates, Court officials, Advocates, jails, Police stations etc, mandatory e-Filing of Cases using e-Filing ver3.0 with cis 3.2 integration, setting up of a mechanism for documents management, sharing of data and documents with Magistrates and Advocate/ party concerned.

E-office

With the aim of providing seamless and efficient services to citizens, the High Court has implemented File Management System (e-file 7.2.0 version) which is the latest version of e-Office, developed by NIC, in the High Court & the two Paperless Courts in the District Judiciary.
The features of file management system (efile7.2) includes responsive design,workflow based system, diarization of inward receipts/letters, creation of files, noting and draft for approvals, intra/inter-departmental movement of files/receipt, department based templates for drafts and acknowledgment, digital signing (multiple signing) of noting and drafts using dsc/esign, searching of files/receipts/dispatch, closing of files/receipt, interfaces with external application.

Neutral Citation

A Neutral Citation is the unique reference given to a particular Judgment rendered by Kerala High Court. The availability of a unique, permanent Neutral Citation format for Judicial decisions would be easy for making references for various purposes and it would be accessible and searchable on this parameter on public domain as and when uploaded from the Court.
A distinct Neutral Citation is proposed including three elements for ease of use and Identification: 1. year (for eg: 2022,2021 etc.) in which the Judgment/Final Order or Interim Order/s certified for reporting is pronounced.

CR management system

The module is created to automate the delivery of reportable Judgment. The PS/PA can upload the Judgment by marking the reportable Judgment. All such marked Judgments can be downloaded from Case status, reportable Judgment option. All such Judgments will auto deliver to corresponding email ID of law journals and law reports.

Causelist Management Module

The objective of this module is to create a Cause list after allocation. All the admission matters allocated will be available in the part II list. A Court officer can draft the cause list using the bench ID list type. In the CMS system, there are four sub-menus available. viz. To prepare a cause list, Manage cause list, View cause list and Publish cause list.

Connected Case Management

This module is created to connect various cases for the effective grouping purpose. The listing officer can select one case as a main case and all other cases as connected cases. They have the facility to rearrange the cases as per direction from the Court.

Urgent Memo Application

This module is used for filing Urgent Memos online. An e-Filer can file their urgent memo by entering the Case details. Once the urgent memo is filed, the same will be available in the dashboard of the Clerk/Assistant of the concerned Section. After verification by the Clerk/Assistant, the application will be available in Court Officer’s dashboard. The Court Officer can appropve or reject the application. If approved, the proposed date can be entered in the module.
It has three functioning user roles 1. Advocates / Standing Counsel / CGC/party in persons 2. Section Assistant and 3. Listing Officer

Auto-tagging of caveat

This module is developed to automatically tag the caveat filed in the High Court. Whenever a Case is registered, the system will check whether any live caveat is available in the database. If available, the system will tag it to the Case and the information will be displayed in the causelist. The system will tag during both online and offline Case registration and during cause list creation.

Digital sign facility of Judgment/Interim Order & auto e-mail distribution

This module is used to digitally sign and deliver orders via e-mail. In the case of a Judgment, once an Order is uploaded by PS/PA, the Judgment will be available in the dashboard of the clerk/assistant of the concerned section. The Clerk/Assistant will verify the order and submit it to the Section Officer for approval. Once the Section Officer approves they can digitally sign and deliver via e-mail. Predefined e-mail ID already added and the facility of adding additional mail ID also provided in this module.

Standing Counsel Management

This module is used to create a database of Standing Counsels as published by the High Court in compliance with the office circular in the matter. The Standing Counsel appointed by the various organisations are required to have an Advocate-profile created in CMS for the mapping. The Advocates are requested to register in Kerala High Court with Bar registration ID, email ID and mobile number. The organization will be selected from the organization list and the corresponding Advocate code will be mapped in the system.

All-in-one display

The transition from paper to digital screen emphasizes the true vision of a smart/ Paperless Courtroom and the High Court of Kerala is pioneering the mission with installing state of the art ‘All in One- touch machines’ for Honourable Judges and Advocates for the first time in the Judicial proceedings history of the nation. These are for automatic display of the current taken up Case file in a Courtroom. Once the Case is called, the Case file automatically pops up on the screen with an array of options to flip through the pages , make notes, view associated Case files etc.The Touch friendly user interface allows the Honourable Judges and Advocates to maneuver through the Case files with ease. This system completely eliminates the need for bringing in physical Case files to the Courtroom thereby saving a lot of manpower in physical transmission of files.

Court display system

The Court display system includes the details of all functioning Courts including the details of the Honourable Judges presiding the same, type of list taken up, Item No, Case No along with the party details. The details are displayed in screens installed outside every Courtroom as well available online in the website https://ecourts.kerala.gov.in/

e-Sewa Kendra/Help desk centres

e-Sewa kendras and Help desk centres are provided in every Court centre for the purpose of extending filing assistance to all stakeholders. 162 sewa kendras and 44 help desk centres are established for providing assistance in e-Filing of Cases as well as attending Court proceedings virtually. The help desk and sewa kendras are equipped with a scanner for uploading Case files and a complete VC unit for attending Courts virtually. Advocates/ party-in-person can use this facility.
Dedicated help desks with whatsapp and 24×7 e-mail support is provided for guiding Advocates/parties to log into the e-Filing

Kiosk – information at the tip of the finger

Courtrooms are provided with a touch screen kiosk i.e a small,temporary, stand-alone booth to provide multitude of online facilities i.e Case status, certified copy application status, e-Filing status, Order status, FAQs etc. This could reduce foot traffic in different sections of the High Court as a magnitude of details is available online and is easily accessible through these kiosks. This will result in fewer interruptions to duty in the form of catering to the queries of Advocates/ Advocate clerks as the Case data would be available to them from the kiosks and will increase the overall performance and efficiency of various Judicial sections. This module is implemented as part of the CMSHCK application.

Dashboard facility for Hon’ble Judges/PS to Judge/PA to Judge/Advocates/Party in Person/Standing Counsel/Central Government Council/Government Pleader/File Scrutiny Officer/ Section Assistant /Section Officer.

1. For the Hon’ble Chief Justice
The Hon’ble Chief Justice can access all the Judicial Case information system in one click. The Hon’ble Chief Justice can access any Case in detail at any time, any location. The purpose of this module is to completely avoid the paper.

2. For Hon’ble Judges
Facility to view all the case files via the Dashboard. Facility to view the case as per the order in the cause list. Facility to view the previous hearing decision details including the date of the decision. Notepad is also enabled for each case and can digitally sign order/judgment.

3. For Court Officer/Listing Officer
Facility to view all case files and also a facility to view the case as per cause list order. Facility to view the previous hearing decision details also including the date of decision.

4. For Section Assistant  and Section Officer
Facility to view all the case files as per case allocation in each seat. The Section assistant/section officer can also upload the files and section endorsement online. So that Hon’ble Judges can view the details via Judges Dashboard. Facility to view the previous hearing decision details including the date of the decision. Section officers can digitally sign the order. Section Assistant can verify and forward Interim order/Final Order/Judgement/Urgent Memo request from Advocate/Party in Person/CGC/GP/SC.

5. For PS to Judge
Facility to view all the case files via the Dashboard. Facility to view the case as per cause list order. Facility to view the previous hearing decision details including the date of the decision.

6. For PA to Judge
Facility to view all the case files via the Dashboard. Facility to view the case as per the order in the cause list. Facility to view the previous hearing decision details also including the date of the decision.

Former Judges dashboard

It is a portal to attend to the grievances and welfare measures of Former Judges, their family members. The dedicated database and portal is a part of the official website of the High Court of Kerala. It will allow speedy facilitation of administrative matters of former Judges and will allow them to share their communication with the High Court.

National Judicial Academy training Management Module

The NJA programme module is used for National Judicial Academy training programme schedule management. It allows the Hon’ble Judges to track already participated, upcoming programmes, etc.
It is a workflow system where the Sections create a request online and the Hon’ble Chief Justice can approve the participant’s/resource persons’ list. The programme allows entering the interest of Hon’ble Judges to participate in all NJA programmes.

Official communications module

It is a module that ensures quick delivery of official communication meant to be submitted/circulated among the Honourable Judges. The module is integrated in the Judge’s dashboard.
The application allows the Section under the supervision of the concerned Section Officer/ Controlling Officers to upload any official communication/meeting papers to be submitted/circulated among the Honourable Judges. Similarly, the Registrar General’s Secretariat can upload meeting notices/ papers or any matter for urgent communication in the Judge’s dashboard with the permission of Registrar General/Registrar(District Judiciary).

Ticketing and task management system

A ticket management system can be defined as a robust software used to register, organize, prioritize, and resolve support tickets. seamlessly integrates inquiries created via e-mail, phone and web-based forms into a simple easy to-use multi-user web interface. It can effectively manage, organize and archive all support requests and responses in one place while providing users with the accountability and responsiveness they deserve.

Work assessment module

This module is used to monitor the individual performance of High Court employees. Honourable Judges can access the data and evaluate the performance of each employee by using the module. The module can assess the performance of PS/PA attached to the Honourable Judges, Assistant Registrar, Listing Officer , Court Officer/ Section Officer, Section Assistant, Computer Assistant etc.

Justice clock

The Justice clock is installed at the main entrance of the High Court and it displays statistical information like the institution, disposal and pendency of Cases in the Court. There is a provision to display live streaming of the important events that take place inside the High Court. Gallery of important events and other notices can also be displayed.

Virtual hearing with hybrid facility

The physical Court proceedings are now replaced with video conferencing with the option for Advocates/ parties to be present either virtually or physically. This permits Advocates to manage their Case postings in different Courts on the same day without being present in each Court physically. This helps in reducing unwanted adjournments of the Cases and thereby improves the Case disposal rate and Justice delivery speed. It provides the choice of physical as well as virtual appearance for stakeholders in the same Case. With the ‘Online VC opt’ facility available in their dashboard, the choice of the Advocate/ party in person in their mode of presence, can be made easily.

VCONSOL

High Court of Kerala implemented VCONSOL application for Court proceedings. VCONSOL Court is a role- based, custom-made virtual courthouse made in India. It uses the MeITY award-winning VCONSOL vc engine based on MCU technology for a smoother video conferencing experience even at a very low internet speed. In VCONSOL courthouse, any number of courtrooms can be created & supported.
One advantage of this Application is that only one-time registration is required for each person. After that one can use the credentials to log in to VCONSOL Court from any compatible smartphone or computer from anywhere. This gives all the roles an added flexibility when procedures are conducted in multiple Courts at the same time. There are even roles allocated to party in-person and public to watch or take part in the procedures.

Digitization Project

Digitization of Court records is one of the objectives under the eCourts Project-Phase II approved by the eCommittee of the Supreme Court and the Government of India. The High Court of Kerala has initiated the project comprising of Scanning, Indexing, Storing, Archiving & Retrieval of court records in digital form in a secure manner. The Artefacts at the High Court collectively and principally consist of Judicial Records and Administrative Records. Approximately 14 Crore pages are estimated to be digitized for the project.

The pilot phase of the project for the digitisation of case records consisting of 4 lakh pages of Court records, was commenced in August 2021. After the satisfactory completion of the same, the User Acceptance Certificate was granted to the service provider. As on 21.11.2022, 3,17,546 case files consisting of a total of 1,57,61,274 pages have been digitized.

In the case of pending cases/Cases under consideration, the first phase of the project in the High Court commenced in May 2022, with the as part of implementation of paperless Courts in selected jurisdictions, with an estimated number of 12000 pending files to be digitized. As on 19.11.2022, 5000 pending case files comprising of around 4.3 lakh pages have been digitized. A facility for uploading all pending physical files is provided in the e-file system and there is facility to add more metadata fields for grouping purposes.

Mobile App for High Court

The mobile app for High Court of Kerala intends to provide all the essential services of e-Filing through mobile platform. The Advocates, party-in-person and Government officials can file Cases with their smartphones. The mobile app also lets the users check for the status of their Cases with the Case status menu. Also the Order search lets them view Orders for particular Cases as well.
Under the e-Filing tab the users can quick file a new Case, work on the defective Cases and draft Cases. They can also separately see the Cases which are pending with the FSOs and the FSO verified files as well. The mobile app also helps them track the Cases which are listed on a particular day and get alerts on important matters.

E-GATE PASS

The e gate pass module simplifies the procedure for obtaining entry pass into the High Court of Kerala. The applicants can now apply in advance for the entry pass from the comfort of their home. Using a smartphone, laptop or a desktop they can log into the official website of the High Court of Kerala and apply for an e- gate pass.

In the first step the applicants gets a registration slip which they need to submit. Once the credibility of the applicant and purpose are verified, the applicants get an e- gate pass with a unique QR code.It will make the life of law interns, planned visits by government officials, etc, very easy for the visitors and security officers.

Court automation study by Digital University of Kerala

The digital University of Kerala (DUK) has been entrusted with the work of conducting a detailed functional requirement study (FRS) on complete automation of Justice delivery in the state Judiciary, and the study is going on.
The study includes three phases:
• phase I. – As -is -Study
• phase II- Requirements gathering and benchmarking
• phase III- Gap analysis , GPR and FRS preparation.