Kerala sets example again; file case 24 hours a day: India's first fully digital court in Kollam

KOLLAM: India's first fully digital court, where people can file cases 24 hours a day, will start functioning in Kollam on the 20th. The new court is known as 24 X 7 On (Open and Networked). It was inaugurated two months ago by a Supreme Court judge at a function held in the high court.

The parties and the bailiffs are not required to appear in person to get bail. All they need to do is upload the documents online. The cheque bounce cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act in the three first-class magistrate courts and the chief judicial magistrate court in Kollam are to be filed here.

The court operates on a hybrid model where parties and lawyers can appear in person and online. All the proceedings of the case can be completed online itself. The summons to the accused will also be sent online to the respective police stations. There is a network system with the Treasury that allows the court fees to be paid as e-payments. Training for lawyers has begun.

Completely paperless

• Although e-filing is being done in other courts, its paper file has to be produced. That won't be needed here.
• A magistrate and three court staff
• State-of-the-art systems including computers and cameras.
• Court fees can be paid through e-Treasury
• Summons issued to accused through e-post
• Transactions with police through iCops