Law and Technology: Shaping the Future of Justice
Justice is no longer blind; it also sees through the lens of technology.
-Anonymous
Indeed, technology has opened new grounds in so many fields-from health and agriculture-and hence no wonder the legal system would not be an exception to it. The Indian judiciary is transforming, enhancing justice delivery through technology, better access, and greater efficiency. This modernization aims to reduce case backlogs and make the system more accessible and responsive to societal needs. It was a step not of transitory fashion but a very large step forward toward doing just that, to increase its effectiveness, accessibility, and clarity. Justice can thus be provided by an ordinary citizen.
Filing a First Information Report (FIR) is a crucial and sensitive task for any complainant. Recognizing this, the Government of India has simplified the process of filing FIRs. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, which replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973, introduces significant changes, including the provisions for Zero-FIR and e-FIR. Under the BNSS, the registration of a cognizable and non-cognizable offences is now governed by Section 173 of BNSS instead of Section 154 of the CrPC. Complainants can log into the official police e-FIR portal or send their complaints to the concerned police station through various electronic communications. Additionally, the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) has made over 13 Crore case records available online, enhancing transparency in the judicial process.
During the pandemic period of COVID-19, courts embraced the culture of virtual hearings just to avoid delays in delivery. Till mid-2021, the Indian judiciary had conducted more than 1.2 Crore virtual hearings. This adaptation did not only get the cases moving but also helped make a significant reduction by bringing in hearings without a logistical delay. It has also made litigations less cluttered since cases have been controlled with the resolution of cases through digital means and also mainly in commercial litigation matters.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is actively working to ensure that legal expertise is accessible to all citizens. It has launched the NCRB Sankalan of Criminal Laws portal, which consolidates information on new laws, including the Bharatiya Nayaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Abhiniyam, providing comprehensive resources in one place.
The Supreme Court of India has even designed a SCI Mobile App to reach the masses very easily with court services and information. From the mobile app, it is possible to check status of the case, find daily orders and judgments, get a cause list daily, and get all such important notices. Judicial work will become even clearer, hence lawyers, litigants, and other public could even cooperate effectively with courts. The developed app supports both on Android as well as iOS.
Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud believes AI can make the legal profession far more efficient. He said that, just like lawyers adapted to various technological revolutions in history, he has no doubt that lawyers would readily embrace AI as well. Since 1947, the Indian judiciary, with the aid of AI, has successfully translated close to 37,000 judgments into Hindi as of September 2024. This effort aims to make judicial rulings more accessible to a wider population, especially those who are more comfortable reading and understanding Hindi. By expanding the reach of legal documents, this initiative enhances transparency, promotes inclusivity, and supports a more citizen-friendly justice system.
Technology has emerged as a powerful driver for transforming the Indian judiciary, enhancing accessibility, transparency, and efficiency across the justice system. Digital advancements like e-filing, virtual courts, and online case tracking have not only streamlined judicial processes but also expanded access to justice for people across diverse regions. Despite certain challenges in implementation, these innovations underscore a promising shift toward a more responsive and inclusive judiciary. By embracing technology, India’s judicial system is gradually overcoming traditional hurdles, paving the way for a future where justice is both timely and universally accessible.