The Impact of Online Dispute Resolution on the Judicial Outcomes in India

Résumé

This study examines the impact of online dispute resolution (ODR) on the efficiency of the Indian judiciary, focusing on an online platform used in Lok Adalats, community-based legal forums in India. The study addresses the challenges posed by India’s extensive case backlog and the additional strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It employs a Randomized Control Trial (RCT) methodology to evaluate the integration of chatbots in ODR processes. The findings suggest that chatbot integration maintains resolution time while enhancing user engagement. This research highlights the potential of leveraging technology to incorporate procedural justice principles, thereby improving public trust and the effectiveness of the legal system.

Mots-clés

Indian judiciary; case backlog; chatbot mediation; Randomized Controlled Trial; online dispute resolution;

Codes JEL

K0: General
C93: Field Experiments
O33: Technological Change: Choices and Consequences • Diffusion Processes
D73: Bureaucracy • Administrative Processes in Public Organizations • Corruption