In Brief
The MP High Court Bar Association challenged a 2023 notification making e-filing of pleadings mandatory in all Debt Recovery Tribunals and Appellate Tribunals, regardless of case value. The Supreme Court upheld the mandatory e-filing regime, recognizing its transparency and efficiency benefits. However, acknowledging India's digital divide, the Court directed the government to establish e-sewa Kendras at all tribunal centres, set up monitoring teams, gather feedback on implementation challenges, and ensure women's digital access is addressed. The petition was disposed of with these safeguards to prevent exclusion of citizens lacking digital access from the justice system."
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