Parliament-VIDEO CONFERENCING FACILITY IN FAMILY COURTS
The Family Courts Act, 1984 provides for establishment of family courts by the State/UT Governments in consultation with their respective High Courts to promote conciliation and secure speedy settlement of disputes relating to marriage and family affairs and for matters connected therewith. Under Section 3(1)(a) of the Family Courts Act, it is mandatory for the State/UT Governments to set up a family court for every area in the State/UT comprising a city or a town whose population exceeds one million. In other areas of the States/UTs, the family courts may also be set up if the State/UT Governments deem it necessary.
For providing digital infrastructure in all the courts including the Family Courts across the country, the Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India is implementing eCourts Project in coordination with the eCommittee, Supreme Court of India. Under Phase III (2023- 2027) of this project, Rs. 228.48 crore have been earmarked for enhancing and upgrading the available infrastructure of video conferencing in various establishments, including courts, jail and hospitals based on size of establishment. However, the utilization of VC facilities for hearings, mediation and counselling in Family Courts, is subject of judicial discretion under the administrative control of the respective High Courts.
Video conferencing facilities have been enabled in 3,240 court complexes and 1,272 jails across the country. Total 3.93 crore (2,95,33,143 in District & Subordinate courts and 97,89,552 in High Courts) case hearings through Video Conferencing have been conducted till 31.12.2025. The numbers of cases dealt with (virtual hearing) on video conferencing in High Courts and District Courts are at Annexure-I. These numbers include the cases dealt with in the Family Courts also. However, State/UT-wise data regarding usage of video conferencing facilities in Family Courts is not maintained separately.
This information was given by MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS Arjun Ram Meghwal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.(UPDATED ON 5TH FEBRUARY 2026)