PUCAR Initiative
Transforming Resolution of Cheque Bouncing Disputes
Cheque bouncing disputes in India often face lengthy delays. We've reimagined the resolution process to make it more efficient and predictable for everyone involved.
About
Cheque bouncing disputes constitute roughly 10% of the total pending criminal cases in India. Despite being low in complexity, it takes 2-4 years on average to resolve a case. The process is tedious and unpredictable. Multiple hearings contribute to the delay.
We studied the existing data, systems, process and policies to diagnose systemic challenges. We spoke to litigants, police officers, judges, and lawyers to understand their pain points and needs.
We collaboratively drew up a clean sheet design of the resolution process: from the moment the cheque bounces until judgement is passed. We developed reference prototypes and DRISTI, an open source technology for services such as filing, scrutiny, summons, hearings, scheduling, orders and judgements. DRISTI can be used by any institution to transform cheque bouncing disputes.
Services in DRISTI are built in a modular and configurable manner so that anyone can extend such services to other disputes.
Justice reform efforts have historically been siloed and institution centric. Each institution seeks to improve and digitise their processes and services. These are then opened up to users such as litigants and lawyers via portals or apps. This results in people still struggling to secure justice.
We are collectively envisioning a dispute resolution ecosystem that puts the needs of people at the centre. We ask - What are these needs from prevention to enforcement? What are the various services needed to cater to these diverse needs? Who are the actors best placed to provide them? How can we connect these services so that the resolution journey of people is seamless? How might we increase trust in the actors by creating shared sources of truth? What are strategic opportunities to start building towards this vision?
Contributors
