CJI DY Chandrachud Launches e-DHCR Portal, Calls It 'Powerful Platform' For Digital Publication Of Judgments Of Public Importance

Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud, on Monday launched the e-DHCR portal, a user friendly official platform for reporting the judgments of Delhi High Court.

CJI Chandrachud said that the initiative marks a “profound shift” in ensuring the democratized dissemination of legal knowledge, making landmark judgments and legal precedents available online to anyone with an internet connection.

The portal was launched in the presence of CJI Chandrachud along with Supreme Court judge, Justice Abhay S Oka and Delhi High Court Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Yashwant Varma who is the Chairman of e-DHCR Committee. Various judges of the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court were also present in the launch event.

In his address, CJI Chandrachud said that the portal is designed not just as a tool for case management but as a powerful platform for the digital publication of judgments of public importance.

“The E-DHCR portal reimagines the workflow of justice. It is more than a technological upgrade; it reaffirms our commitment to justice—swift, accessible, and fair-minded. It encourages us to rethink how we perceive and practice law, illustrating how digitization enforces fundamental principles of justice and equity,” he said.

On accessibility, CJI further said that gone are the days when advocates had to endure long queues and expend valuable time and energy on filing processes.

“The E-SCR portal facilitates access to the Supreme Court's judgments free of subscription fees or other expenses, setting a precedent for the E-DHCR portal to follow. This digital transformation is a crucial step toward inclusivity. By streamlining and simplifying cumbersome processes, we are removing barriers that previously hindered access to the justice system,” he said.

CJI also said that the E-DHCR portal will be a treasured resource for legal professionals, researchers, academics, and students.

He said that the initiative sets new standards for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the legal realm.

“The march of technology is unstoppable, and our courts must embrace these changes to enhance accessibility and efficiency. Each technological advancement, including the E-DHCR portal, plays a crucial role in building a more accessible and efficient justice system. I urge each one of you to continue to support and advocate for these transformative changes to ensure that justice remains within reach for everyone,” CJI said while concluding the address.

ACJ Manmohan, in his welcome address, said that the e-DHCR portal will contain all reported judgments of the Delhi High Court since 1968 in html format along with key issues and findings.

“We have implemented advanced AI search algorithm to improve search accuracy. This will help users navigate through legal information accurately,” ACJ said while adding that the platform also has advanced search features and voice search options.

“Through SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software), we have translated 16435 pages of judicial record available on eDHCr portal, and have ensured language preferences in both English and Hindi languages,” ACJ said.

He added: “This portal would also enable creation of a well-equipped and technologically advanced force of young lawyers who had to hitherto struggle in conducting complex legal research due to financial challenges in the initial years of their legal career. Not only are young lawyers going to benefit from this software but law students and all those who are not well versed in English but are interested in the development of law are going to benefit immensely from this portal.”

He further said that the portal will forever change the legal research landscape of the country as it seeks to cater to vast population interested in law but don't have the wherewithal to access expensive legal research software currently available.

In his address, Justice Abhay S Okay requested the High Court to communicate availability of the portal to district court bar associations and law schools in the national capital so that young lawyers can take benefit of the opportunity.

“I wish great success to this project,” he said.

As the launch event ended with vote of thanks by Justice Yashwant Varma, CJI also inaugurated Shaurya Foundation Trust Café and Sagar Express in the High Court which is run by individuals with neuro diversity.

CJI said that he has two daughters who are specially abled and that he has recently turned vegan as his daughter said that “we should lead a cruelty free life.”

He also said that he and his wife do not buy any silk or leather products. CJI also said that everyday he comes in contact with differently abled people, he realises the tremendous potential such individuals have.

ACJ Manmohan said that empowering neuro-diverse people will create an inclusive ecosystem and challenge the societal barriers faced by neuro- diverse people.

“If the legal community, which is educated and aware of rights of PwD does not take the initiative, who shall? The legal community is known for their + outlook and to focus on ability and to overcome disability. I am sure opening of this café will further reaffirm this ethos. It will help in promoting the feeling of empathy amongst the legal community,” ACJ said.