Courts to become paperless: Khurshid

"Paperless courts would go a long way in achieving the objectives of the National Mission for Delivery of Justice. Already, there are at least 10 courts in Delhi where judges do not have to carry voluminous records to their homes. Tiny pen drives have replaced huge, bulky folders in these courts", he told reporters.

"We expect the process to be completed in Uttar Pradesh in two years. However, availability of power is a major issue in the state and we hope to find a way out," he said.

"The government is also sensitive towards the fact that digitisation of the legal process may put young, struggling lawyers at a disadvantage as they might not have the purchasing power to invest in computers or laptops. I am planning to take up the matter with my cabinet colleague Kapil Sibal who is behind the specially-designed Akash tablets which are available to students for just two thousand rupees. I will request him to consider developing a similar device for lawyers," Khurshid said.

The Law Minister also said he was in favour of raising the age of retirement of judges. "Our Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65. In the High Courts it is 62. In Britain, judges retire at the age of 75. The US does not even have any age of retirement for its judges.

"I do not see any reason why our judicial officers must not be allowed to serve longer, especially when in their profession experience is so crucial. However, this would require a Constitutional amendment. I look forward to raising the matter in the Parliament," he added.