CJI Gavai Advocates for Responsible Use of Technology in Judiciary
New Delhi – Chief Justice of India B R Gavai addressed the intricate relationship between technology and justice at the recent international symposium on "The Role of Technology to Improve Access to Justice" at the University of Cambridge. He emphasized that technological advancements should enhance judicial functions rather than replace the critical decision-making processes of the judiciary.
Justice Gavai acknowledged the potential of technology to transform the accessibility of justice in India, especially for marginalized communities. He identified the “digital divide” as a pressing concern, highlighting that disparities in access to the internet and digital literacy could lead to further exclusion from the justice system. “For technology to genuinely serve justice, accessibility and inclusion must be foundational to its design,” he asserted.
He underscored the necessity for policy interventions to facilitate a revolutionary shift in the judiciary’s operation, advocating for governance frameworks that ensure human oversight in technology-mediated decisions. Gavai articulated a vision for a more inclusive legal system underpinned by digital innovation, noting that equitable access to justice is a constitutional obligation and a moral imperative, especially in a diverse nation with over 121 languages.
CJI Gavai highlighted the impact of technological advancements such as video conferencing, which has made participation in court proceedings more accessible for lawyers from rural regions. He praised initiatives like the National Judicial Data Grid and SUVAS, an AI-powered translation tool, for enhancing judicial transparency and supporting non-English speakers.
However, he cautioned that without addressing the digital divide, technology could inadvertently become a barrier to justice. Gavai’s remarks serve as a reminder that while technology can bridge the gap to justice, it must be implemented thoughtfully to ensure it benefits all citizens.
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