Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation.

Ans. COVID pandemic, with its harsh has also pushed the world towards digitalization. The Judicial system also saw online delivery of judicial services. Various Initiatives: (1) Online Dispute Redressal Mechanism - Addressing disputes online in pre-litigation stage reducing burden on district courts. (2) e-LoK Adalat - Chhattisgarh became 1st state to start LoK Adalats online. (3) RBI dispute solving - The digital transaction frauds are addressed online in efficient manner. (4) Bail being granted online - to reduce delay in delivery of release of people. (5) Addressing e-chalans and other fines online. Challenges in Implementation: 1- Lack digital literacy - Increase chances of online frauds and extortion of money. 2- Lack of digital infrastructure - not all people have access. 3- Gender divide - Data shows only 1/2 of the women used access to online services during pandemic. 4- Behavioral issues - most population is not accustomed to online system & prefer online. As we saw in decline of online services after Pandemic when things were available offline. 5- Privacy Concerns - most digital content is subject to be distributed worldwide. Considering the challenges, we can move forward by developing better security system and developing digital infrastructure. We need to ensure DISP in Article 39A of providing Free legal Aid to the poor- which is both accessible and affordable through digital means as well.

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