Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai said that access to justice through technology can reshape India’s legal system. He was delivering a speech at Oxford University to legal scholars and students.
CJI Gavai stressed that digital tools must uphold constitutional values and help every citizen, regardless of location or class.
Justice Gavai said access to justice is the ‘backbone of a fair legal system’. He warned that without real legal access, constitutional rights are just ‘hollow promises’.
Additionally, CJI Gavai said that India’s diversity makes tech-led solutions essential for equal justice delivery.
E-Courts, virtual hearings and language tools driving change
Justice Gavai listed recent tech advances in India’s judiciary. Video conferencing now lets rural lawyers appear before the Supreme Court. He called this a big step toward fairness.
Tools like SUVAS now translate legal documents into nine Indian languages.
He also praised the e-Courts portal. It helps citizens check case status, download orders, and see hearing dates.
People no longer need to travel to courts just to get basic updates. “This has reduced delays and removed distance barriers,” he said.
Addressing the digital divide and legal tech risks
While highlighting gains, he also flagged concerns. “Technology can deepen divides,” he warned.
Many lack digital skills or internet access. Automated systems, if misused, can worsen bias.
“Tech must aid, not replace, human judgment,” he added.
He urged strong laws to ensure human oversight in legal tech. He called for clear rules on AI use in courts. Data privacy and ethical tech use must be priorities, he said.
Digital aid and real-time court data changing the system
CJI Gavai mentioned tools like LESA, an AI chatbot that gives quick legal help. NALSA’s digital services now connect rural people to free legal aid.
Centres like e-Sewa Kendras and Nyay Mitra bring help to those with no internet or smartphones.
He also praised the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG). It holds data on over 23 crore cases. It tracks progress and helps fix system delays.
Call for global cooperation on ethical legal tech
Justice Gavai ended with a call for global teamwork. He said law schools and courts must work together.
“Technology must serve the rule of law,” he said. He urged more research on how to use tech fairly in courts.
At Oxford, he said he was hopeful. “Together, we can build legal systems that are fair, fast, and accessible,” he concluded.
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