Court mandates amendment of Standing Order to extend paperless module beyond criminal cases, emphasizing accountability and speedy justice through complete and timely document uploads
In a significant judgment dated September 2, 2026, the Rajasthan High Court, Jaipur Bench, presided over by Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand, underscored the necessity for stringent adherence to the paperless functioning system implemented in the court. The Court expressed its displeasure over the casual and lax approach adopted by court staff and the external agency responsible for digitizing case files, specifically criticizing incomplete uploads of scanned petitions and documents on the Paperless Module.
The matter came to light during the hearing of S.B. Criminal Miscellaneous Petition No. 4993/2023, when the Court observed that the scanned copy of the main petition was not uploaded—only the stay application was available digitally. This deficiency caused considerable inconvenience and impaired the Court’s ability to effectively adjudicate the matter in a paperless environment. The Court called for explanations from the concerned officials, including the dealing clerk and the representatives of M/s. Enhira Software (Export) Limited, the firm tasked with scanning and digitization.
The explanations received were found unsatisfactory. The Court noted that even if technical difficulties such as electricity outages had occurred, the files could have been uploaded on subsequent working days, but no sincere effort was made. The Court highlighted a pattern of lethargy and lack of accountability in uploading petitions, replies, affidavits, and other documents, which defeats the purpose of the Paperless Module.
Justice Dhand emphasized that the transition from traditional bulky paper files to a digital system is a paradigm shift essential for delivering speedy, transparent, and eco-friendly justice. The Court acknowledged the benefits of the Paperless Module, including reduced registry burden, prevention of record loss or damage, and 24x7 accessibility for judges.
However, the Court lamented that the Standing Order dated November 2, 2020—initially confined to the scanning and digitization of criminal case files—was outdated and insufficient. It mandated that the Registrar (Judicial) place the issue before the Chief Justice to approve a comprehensive and amended Standing Order that would extend mandatory paperless functioning to all categories of matters before the Court, including civil, criminal, writ, and miscellaneous cases.
The Court outlined the need to fix specific roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders involved—dealing clerks, court masters, filing sections, stamp reporters, registry officers, and others—to ensure all case papers are scanned, bookmarked, indexed, and uploaded on the same day they are presented. It warned that without accountability, the vision of a fully paperless Court would remain unfulfilled.
This judgment marks a pivotal step towards the complete digitization of court processes at the Rajasthan High Court, aligning with the Supreme Court of India’s e-Committee’s vision for digital justice and setting a precedent for other High Courts to follow suit.
Bottom Line:
Court's displeasure expressed over casual approach in uploading scanned copies of petitions and documents on Paperless Module; directions issued for mandatory paperless functioning across all jurisdictions of the Court.
Statutory provision(s):
Paperless Module.
Pramod Kumar v. State of Rajasthan, (Rajasthan)(Jaipur Bench) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2975956
