Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged lawyers to give legal assistance to the poor through pro bono system of the Government. He called upon the lawyers to create a mass movement to provide legal aid to the downtrodden and underprivileged. Launching the Supreme Court’s Integrated Case Management Information System, ICMIS in New Delhi today, Mr Modi said, government has taken steps to ensure justice to all. He said, the need of the hour is to focus on application of science and technology as it can transform the economic conditions.

He said, embracing technology can happen only when it is on a large scale. Prime Minister said, E-governance is easy, cost effective and also environment friendly. He said, paperless offices will benefit the environment. Mr Modi also emphasised on change of mindset when it comes to use of technology for governance.

The Prime Minister said, Information Technology plus Indian Talent is India Tomorrow. He said, the understanding of technology should not be limited to hardware only. Mr Modi said, artificial intelligence will drive human race and there is huge possibility of job creation through it.

Mr Modi also thanked judges who have decided to hear sensitive matters during the summer vacation. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Justice of India Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar said that all the 24 high courts and the subordinate courts will be integrated with the new system. He said, it will help usher transparency, reduce manipulation and help the litigant know about the progress of the case on a real time basis.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, Government is promoting digitisation and innovation and he is happy that Supreme Court has brought this new initiative.

Through new system, every central and state government department will know if they have been made party to the case through the system and help them prepare accordingly. The court fee and process fee will be calculated online, which will help the litigant about the cost involved. It will also help litigants access data and retrieve information online and will be a step towards a paperless Supreme Court.