Authored By: Isha Sameer Upadhyay
KES' Shri Jayantilal H. Patel Law College, University of Mumbai
Abstract:
This article narrates the transformative journey of India’s judiciary as it embraces Artificial Intelligence and digital technology to enhance access to justice. Against the backdrop of a vast backlog and constitutional promises, AI emerges not just as a tool but as a partner, streamlining case management, breaking language barriers, and enabling virtual courts that bring justice closer to citizens, especially the marginalized. Yet, amidst this digital revolution, the paper humanizes the narrative by emphasizing ethical responsibilities, privacy concerns, and the irreplaceable role of human empathy in judicial decisions. It paints a vision of a future-ready judiciary that balances innovation with inclusivity, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights. This article explores how AI is reshaping the Indian judiciary, making it faster, more inclusive, and more transparent, while also addressing the ethical and practical challenges that accompany this digital shift.
⮚ Introduction
Technology will integrate police, forensics, jails, and courts, and will speed up their work as well. We are moving towards a justice system that will be fully future-ready.” — Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
India’s judicial system, one of the largest in the world, is carrying an enormous weight over 4.7 crore pending cases, according to the National Judicial Data Grid. Every delay feels personal, because when justice is slow, it often feels like justice denied. The Constitution, through Article 39A, reminds us that justice is not a privilege but a promise. It guarantees the Right to Legal Aid and envisions “Justice at the Doorstep”, a vision where no citizen is left behind, no matter their social or economic status.
Over the years, technology has quietly stepped in to ease this burden. The E-Courts Mission Mode Project and the Digital India Mission brought in e-filing, digital case management, and virtual hearings, tools that became indispensable when the pandemic forced courts to close their doors. Today, Artificial Intelligence is taking this transformation even further. Systems like SUPACE, along with AI-driven transcription, translation, and case analytics, are helping judges and court staff manage mountains of cases more efficiently, making legal information more accessible to everyone.
AI is no longer just a convenience; it is becoming a partner in keeping the promise of timely and fair justice alive. As it reshapes the Indian judiciary, it challenges us to imagine a system that is faster, fairer, and truly inclusive, while also prompting reflection on the ethical and practical responsibilities that come with this digital leap.
⮚ AI-Driven Transformation of India’s Judiciary and Law Enforcement :
❖ The integration of Artificial Intelligence in India’s judiciary and law enforcement is gradually reshaping the way justice is delivered. The E-Courts Project Phase III marks a significant leap in this digital transformation, embedding AI technologies such as Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Predictive Analytics to streamline case management, legal research, documentation, and user assistance. Through automated case management, AI helps prioritize cases, predict backlogs, and optimize resources, while legal research tools assist judges and lawyers in identifying precedents, summarizing judgments, and speeding up decision-making. OCR and NLP further simplify filing and court procedures by digitizing documents ensuring faster processing and reducing manual errors in the documentation process and AI-powered chatbots provide litigants with real-time case updates and guidance. Predictive analysis forecasts case outcomes, and AI-driven translation tools break language barriers, making legal information accessible across India’s multilingual landscape. Through automated systems, AI now helps prioritize cases and optimize judicial resources, giving tangible shape to the constitutional promise of speedy justice recognized in Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979), where the Supreme Court held that delay violates Article 21.
❖ Beyond courtrooms, AI is enhancing law enforcement and crime prevention. Predictive policing identifies high-risk zones, while automated drones, facial recognition, and forensic AI improve investigations and evidence analysis. AI tools also facilitate real-time FIR filing and streamline witness testimonies, integrating seamlessly with systems like CCTNS, e-Prisons, and e-Forensics to create comprehensive crime intelligence networks.
❖ Government initiatives, such as the ₹7210 crore E-Courts Phase III project and AI-focused programs like Vimarsh 2023 5G Hackathon, demonstrate strong support for judicial modernization. Further, Platforms like SUPACE (Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court’s Efficiency) and SUVAAS ( Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software) assist judges and lawyers in legal research and translation, ensuring that AI supports human judgment rather than replacing it. AI tools like SUPACE and SUVAAS reflect this inclusive vision. While SUPACE assists in legal research and summarizing judgments, SUVAAS ensures linguistic equality by translating legal documents into regional languages, a spirit consistent with NALSA v. Union of India (2014), which upheld the right to equality and dignity for all citizens.
❖ The pandemic accelerated the adoption of technology in courts. Leveraging Article 142, the Supreme Court mandated video conferencing in subordinate courts to ensure the wheels of justice kept turning even when physical hearings were impossible. Relying on State of Maharashtra v. Praful Desai (2003), which validated evidence through video conferencing, the Supreme Court ensured continuity of proceedings through Article 142. The decision became a foundation for virtual courts and online hearings nationwide. Today, ICT-enabled infrastructure allows electronic filing, online case tracking, and digital fee payments, transforming the judiciary into a more responsive and citizen-friendly system. Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) initiatives further extend this vision, offering a framework for resolving disputes efficiently and remotely.
❖ Accessibility has also been a key focus. Initiatives like ‘Tele-Law’, ‘Nyaya Bandhu’, and ‘Pan-India legal literacy’ programs aim to provide legal guidance in regional languages, bridging barriers for rural populations. ‘Fast Track Courts’ and ‘E-Lok Adalats’ have expedited justice for women, children, and marginalized communities, resolving millions of cases through a combination of in-person and online mechanisms. Accessibility, a cornerstone of justice, has also evolved digitally. The judiciary’s efforts to make court systems inclusive through features like sign language interpretation and screen readers following principle laid down in Vikash Kumar v. UPSC (2021), where the Court emphasized accessibility as a constitutional right.
❖ Live streaming of hearings in the Supreme Court and select High Courts ensures transparency, allowing citizens to witness justice in action while balancing privacy and confidentiality. Transparency too found new meaning with live-streaming of proceedings, following the precedent set in Swapnil Tripathi v. Supreme Court of India (2018), which recognized that justice must not only be done but seen to be done. These developments turned the judiciary into an open and participatory institution, accessible at the click of a screen.
❖ The judiciary has also taken measures to address the needs of persons with disabilities. Reports such as “A Court for All” emphasize accessible infrastructure, screen readers, and sign language interpretation via video conferencing, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud has highlighted that ‘Articles 14 and 19(1)(g)’ guarantee equitable access to justice for all, including disabled litigants and legal professionals.
❖ The E-Courts Mission Mode Project, launched in 2005, began with the simple goal of computerizing district and subordinate courts. As the project evolved through three phases, it grew ambitious digitizing legacy records, enabling e-filing, and setting up ‘E-Sewa Kendras’ in every court complex. These tools proved indispensable during the COVID-19 pandemic, when virtual hearings ensured that justice continued even when courtrooms could not open their doors.
❖ The Supreme Court of India also embraced innovation, introducing AI-driven live transcription of hearings, making proceedings more transparent and accessible. These initiatives, while transformative, also underscored the responsibility of managing sensitive information carefully. To guide such developments, NITI Aayog launched the ‘Responsible AI for All’ framework, emphasizing ethical, transparent, and inclusive use of AI in public services.
⮚ Challenges and Ethical Dimensions of AI in Justice Delivery:
However, this journey toward technological modernization is far from seamless. The promise of Artificial Intelligence and digital integration comes with a complex web of challenges that go beyond mere infrastructure. In a country as vast and diverse as India, ‘limited internet access’, ‘unreliable connectivity’, and ‘digital illiteracy’ continue to exclude those who are already on the margins. Justice, which should be a bridge, often risks becoming a barrier for those who lack the means to navigate online platforms or afford digital access. The E-filing systems, though revolutionary in design, often appear intimidating to first-time users, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where legal aid and technical literacy remain scarce.
The implementation costs of digitizing ‘25 High Courts and over 688 District Courts’ are another major hurdle, demanding not just financial investment but also continuous training and technical support. Frequent technical glitches, delayed server responses, and lack of standardization across states often disrupt proceedings, undermining the very efficiency technology was meant to deliver.
Beyond these logistical hurdles lies a deeper ethical and legal dilemma where the question of trust and fairness in algorithm-driven decision-making arose. As courts begin to rely on AI for tasks such as predictive analysis and document review, concerns arise about algorithmic bias and the transparency of such tools. Can a machine truly understand the human nuances of justice? Can it account for socio economic inequities that shape legal outcomes? These questions echo the Supreme Court’s reflections in K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017), where the right to privacy was declared intrinsic to dignity and autonomy. The judgment serves as a reminder that technological progress must never come at the cost of human rights and constitutional safeguards.
The enactment of the ‘Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023’ has further amplified the debate, emphasizing the need for stronger data governance within the judiciary. Court records, case histories, and personal data of litigants are repositories of sensitive information, their misuse or unauthorized access could jeopardize public trust. Ethical governance, therefore, is not optional; it is essential. AI must function within a framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and human oversight at every stage. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in AI-based judicial systems highlight the urgent need to protect sensitive legal data from breaches or manipulation as seen in Anvar P.V. v. P.K. Basheer, (2014) 10 SCC 473, the Court held that electronic evidence must be authenticated and protected from tampering, reinforcing the principle that digital records in judicial proceedings must be secure and reliable There also lies an emotional undercurrent in this transition. Many legal professionals express apprehension not out of resistance to innovation, but from a fear that the human element of justice might be diluted. A judgment, after all, is not merely a product of logic but of empathy, experience, and moral reasoning. Technology can assist, but it cannot feel. As Justice D.Y. Chandrachud rightly observed, “Technology is an enabler, not a substitute for human discretion.” The challenge, then, is not in adopting AI, but in balancing automation with humanity, ensuring that the quest for efficiency does not overshadow the essence of justice itself.
⮚ CASE LAWS:
✔ In a remarkable display of technology-driven policing, the Maharashtra Police cracked a tragic hit-and run case in Nagpur within just 36 hours using artificial intelligence. On Raksha Bandhan, a speeding truck with red markings struck a couple on a motorcycle, killing the wife instantly. With only minimal details to go on, the police turned to AI-powered computer vision tools, analyzing CCTV footage from toll nakas miles apart. The algorithms filtered hundreds of trucks by color and speed, eventually pinpointing the culprit vehicle, which was later seized on the Gwalior–Kanpur highway. The swift arrest underscored the success of MARVEL (Maharashtra Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law Enforcement),India’s first state-level AI policing system, now inspiring similar initiatives in other states for its efficiency and accuracy.
✔ In 2023, the Bengaluru Cyber Cell solved a complex phishing racket using AI-powered language analysis. By applying Natural Language Processing and predictive algorithms, investigators detected identical phrasing patterns across hundreds of scam messages, swiftly tracing the network behind them. The breakthrough showcased how AI can uncover hidden links in massive digital evidence, making cybercrime detection faster and more precise.
⮚ Suggestions and Recommendations for Ethical AI Implementation in the Judiciary: ▪ Classify AI by Risk:
Courts need to recognize that not every AI tool carries the same level of risk. Simple uses like searching documents or formatting files can be safely scaled, while more sensitive applications, such as analyzing evidence or predicting case outcomes should only be used under strict human supervision. This ensures technology supports justice without overstepping its limits.
▪ Create a Clear AI Policy:
It’s important for every court to have a well-defined policy guiding how AI can be used. Such a framework should emphasize data privacy, transparency, and human accountability. The Kerala High Court’s model shows how innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand, ensuring that technology assists judges rather than replacing their judgment.
▪ Set Accuracy Standards:
Before AI-generated transcripts or translations become part of the official record, their accuracy must be carefully verified. The original audio or video should always remain the main reference, so that no misunderstanding or error influences a legal proceeding.
▪ Protect Data and Privacy:
As guided by the Puttaswamy judgment, courts must treat data protection as a matter of constitutional importance. Judicial information should only be used for legitimate purposes, stored securely, and shared under strict safeguards to maintain public trust.
▪ Encourage Transparency and Audits:
To make AI truly reliable, courts should promote open and anonymized datasets for research while mandating regular third-party audits of algorithms. These audits help detect bias, improve fairness, and reassure citizens that technology in justice remains transparent and accountable.
⮚ Conclusion:
Despite these hurdles, the merits of technological modernization are clear. Automation reduces administrative burdens, virtual hearings increase access for remote litigants, AI tools support legal research and translation, and digital platforms promote transparency. Government initiatives and judicial reforms have made justice more inclusive, efficient, and accountable, especially for marginalized groups. AI and digital tools, when applied ethically, promise to reduce backlogs, improve transparency, and make the legal system more citizen-centric.
Legal awareness is an essential component of a fair and just society, and the advent of information technology tools has significantly enhanced its accessibility and dissemination. With the rise of digital platforms, individuals have the means to access a vast array of legal information and resources that were previously confined to law libraries or expensive consultations. For instance, legal databases and online resources, such as legal research platforms, have democratized access to statutes, case law, and legal commentary, empowering individuals to better understand their rights and responsibilities. Furthermore, government agencies have gradually adopted technology to provide legal resources online, including guides, forms, and FAQs. This shift not only alleviates the burden of legal fees but also encourages proactive engagement in legal matters. Moreover, social media platforms play a pivotal role in raising awareness about legal issues and campaigns, facilitating discussions, and sharing experiences among users, which can drive collective awareness on various legal matters, ranging from consumer rights to civil liberties. Online courses and webinars on legal subjects further broaden the scope of legal education, making it possible for individuals to learn about the law at their own pace while equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate legal challenges. Legal aid organizations have also harnessed technology by utilizing chatbots and online consultation services to offer preliminary guidance, thus breaking down barriers for low-income individuals who may otherwise be unaware of their entitlements. However, the rapid digitization of legal information is accompanied by challenges, such as the risk of misinformation and the potential for privacy breaches. Therefore, while information technology tools have significantly contributed to legal awareness, it is essential for users to critically evaluate the reliability of online sources. In doing so, they can leverage these tools effectively, ultimately fostering a well-informed citizenry that is better equipped to engage with the legal system.
The advent of technology has significantly transformed various sectors across the globe, and the legal domain in India is no exception. In the context of access to justice, technological advancements have played a crucial role in breaking barriers that once impeded the delivery of legal services to the populace. These developments have enhanced not only the efficiency of legal processes but also the transparency and accessibility of justice in a country where a substantial portion of the population remains underserved. One of the most prominent technological initiatives aimed at enhancing access to justice in India is the ‘E-Courts’ project, which was launched by the Indian judiciary. This initiative has digitized court proceedings, allowing litigants and lawyers to file cases online, access case status, and obtain certified copies of judgments electronically. The introduction of virtual courts, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcased how technology could enable hearings to take place without the requirement for physical presence, thus reducing barriers related to distance and logistical challenges. This shift has proven particularly beneficial in rural areas where access to courts is fraught with difficulties. Furthermore, the proliferation of mobile technology has empowered individuals with the ability to seek legal information and services through smartphones. Legal aid apps and websites have emerged, providing resources and guidance to those who cannot afford legal representation. For instance, initiatives such as ‘Nyaya Bandhu’, a mobile application, connects lawyers with individuals seeking legal assistance, facilitating a platform for pro bono services. Such digital resources have democratized access to legal information, equipping citizens with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the legal system. Additionally, technology has fostered greater transparency within judicial processes. Online case management systems allow real-time tracking of case statuses, minimizing instances of corruption and inefficiency that often hinder access to justice. Public databases provide citizens with information on pending cases, judgments, and the performance of judicial officers, contributing to accountability within the judicial system. However, while technology provides numerous advantages, it is essential to address the digital divide in India. Access to the internet and digital literacy remains limited in many regions, particularly among marginalized communities. To maximize the potential of technology in enhancing access to justice, concerted efforts must be made to ensure that these advancements reach all sections of society. In conclusion, technology has undeniably enhanced access to justice in India by streamlining processes, facilitating communication, and fostering transparency. As the nation continues to navigate the future of its legal system, it is vital to bridge the digital divide to ensure that technology serves as an inclusive tool, empowering every citizen to exercise their right to justice.
In weaving together constitutional vision, technological innovation, and ethical safeguards, India is crafting a judiciary that is modern yet humane, efficient yet fair. It is a journey toward a legal system that doesn’t just keep pace with the times, but actively ensures that justice is accessible, inclusive, and responsible
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