In a landmark address at the J20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud highlighted the Indian judiciary’s remarkable strides in leveraging technology to enhance judicial efficiency. The summit, attended by heads of the supreme and constitutional courts of G20 nations, provided a platform for showcasing India’s achievements in digital transformation within the judicial system. The Chief Justice’s speech underscored how technology has re-negotiated the relationship between law and enforcement agencies, bringing about a paradigm shift in the administration of justice. The COVID-19 pandemic catalysed a seismic shift in judicial proceedings globally, and India was no exception. The Supreme Court’s embrace of virtual hearings democratised access to justice, as evidenced by over 7,50,000 cases being heard via video conferencing. This transition not only maintained the continuity of judicial processes during lockdowns but also significantly reduced the geographic and economic barriers to accessing the highest court of the land. Virtual hearings have extended the court’s reach, enabling individuals who face physical, financial, or logistical challenges to participate in legal proceedings. The live-streaming of significant constitutional cases on the Supreme Court’s YouTube channel has brought legal deliberations into the public domain and fostered a culture of transparency.
The Indian judiciary’s Case Management System, touted as the world’s largest, is built on Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). This initiative reflects a strategic move towards cost-efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability. By utilising FOSS, the judiciary can continuously innovate and improve the system without the constraints typically associated with proprietary software. Another standout initiative is the use of SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software) for translating judgements into 16 regional languages. This effort addresses the linguistic diversity of India and ensures that legal documents are accessible to non-English speakers, thus broadening the reach of justice. The judiciary’s tryst with technology began in 2007 with the e-Courts project, which has improved judicial efficiency and created citizen-centric justice delivery services. The e-filing platform, which has facilitated over 1,50,000 filings in the Supreme Court alone, is a pivotal component of this project. By allowing cases to be filed at the click of a button, the judiciary has significantly streamlined the pre-decision process. Additionally, the National Judicial Data Grid and iJuris platforms enable real-time monitoring of judicial data across the country. These information-sharing platforms are instrumental in enhancing the transparency and accountability of the judicial process.
The continuation of hybrid hearings post-pandemic is a clear indication of the judiciary’s forward-thinking approach. The hybrid model, combining physical and virtual hearings, offers flexibility and ensures that the judicial process remains resilient against future disruptions. Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s transition towards a paperless operation marks a significant leap towards environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. In an era where misinformation can rapidly spread through social media, the judiciary’s approach to transparency is both timely and necessary. By live-reporting proceedings and providing easy access to judgements through digital SCR, the judiciary combats disinformation effectively. These proactive measures serve as a robust antidote to the spread of misleading content. However, there are challenges posed by the digital divide and representational asymmetry. Low-connectivity locations and varying levels of digital literacy among litigants remain significant bottlenecks. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to improve digital infrastructure and ensure equitable access to technological resources.
The Indian judiciary’s adoption of technology is a pioneering move towards modernising the legal system. It has set an example of how traditional institutions can adapt to contemporary challenges and leverage technology to enhance their core functions. In reality, India’s journey towards a digitally empowered judiciary serves as an inspiring model for other nations.
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