New Delhi: Technology has democratised the legal profession by making legal resources and digital tools available to lawyers across India, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said during a lecture on the Future of Justice Delivery organised by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA). The CJI said technology has made courts more accessible, transparent, and responsive, while stressing that artificial intelligence (AI) should support judicial work but must never replace human decision-making.
Key Highlights of CJI Remarks on India Digital Courts
- CJI Surya Kant said technology has democratised the legal profession.
- Lawyers in smaller towns now have access to digital legal resources.
- AI can assist judges but cannot replace judicial conscience.
- The Supreme Court is developing AI safeguards focused on privacy and data security.
- Initiatives like One Case One Data, SUVAS, and SuSahay are improving access to justice.
What Did CJI Surya Kant Say Regarding India Digital Courts
Speaking at the SCAORA lecture, CJI Surya Kant said the judiciary’s goal over the past two decades has not been to introduce technology for its own sake. Instead, the focus has been to make courts more accessible, transparent, affordable, and responsive for every person using the justice delivery system.
How Has Technology Changed The Legal Profession
The CJI said technology has created equal opportunities for lawyers across the country. Earlier, advanced legal databases, digital libraries, and research tools were mostly available in metropolitan cities. Today, advocates in smaller towns can access the same resources online, helping create a more level playing field.
How Has Digital Transformation Improved Courts
According to the CJI, India’s e-Courts Mission Mode Project has evolved into a complete digital justice ecosystem. The system now supports:
- E-filing of cases
- Digital case management
- Online court records
- Video conferencing
- Virtual hearings
- Real-time case tracking through the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)
These digital services help courts work more efficiently while improving access to justice.
India Digital Courts: What Did The CJI Say About Artificial Intelligence
CJI Surya Kant made it clear that AI should support judges—not replace them. He said artificial intelligence can improve judicial efficiency and assist decision-making, but judicial conscience and human judgment must always remain central to the justice system.
What Are The Supreme Court’s AI Plans
The CJI referred to the Supreme Court’s draft AI regulations. He said the proposed framework aims to ensure AI assists the justice delivery system without replacing human decision-making. It also includes safeguards for privacy and data security.
What Is The “One Case One Data” Initiative
The CJI highlighted the One Case One Data initiative. It aims to create one standardised digital record for every case. This will allow the Supreme Court to check the status of a case from the trial court level with a single click while reducing duplication of records across different courts.
What Are SUVAS And SuSahay
The CJI also highlighted two important technology initiatives:
SUVAS
SUVAS is an AI-enabled translation platform that has translated Supreme Court judgments into 16 regional languages. The Court expects translations to be available in all recognised regional languages soon.
SuSahay
SuSahay is a conversational digital platform that helps people understand court procedures, filing requirements, and case status more easily.
Why Is Digital Courts Important
The CJI said technology should strengthen the values of justice instead of replacing them. According to him, the real success of technology is measured by how much it improves access to justice, reduces costs, and makes legal processes easier for ordinary citizens.
