New Delhi, March 5 Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Thursday advocated for technology-driven reforms in Bhutan's judicial system, emphasizing that access to justice critically depends on the effective utilization of technological advancements.
Delivering the keynote address at the Royal University of Bhutan in Thimphu on "Access to Justice in the 21st Century: Technology, Legal Aid, and People-Centred Courts," CJI Kant also stated that he had conveyed to Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay that the Supreme Court of India, along with the high courts, would be delighted to offer internship opportunities to Bhutanese students.
"Let us remember that technology is merely the modern tool in this era, and our task is to ensure that while the tools of the 21st century are sophisticated, they remain as accessible and user-friendly as the needs of the people," he said.
"Ultimately, what we must understand is that justice is not a confined concept; instead, it is a dynamic principle that must be accessible to everyone, including the people in remote areas and bustling markets," the CJI added.
He further stated that facilitating student exchanges, including providing boarding and lodging where necessary, would be a privilege for the Indian judiciary, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder meaningful legal exposure for students.
"Experiencing the workings of the court firsthand is an essential part of quality legal education," he said.
"The path forward requires a strong commitment to ethical standards and maintaining integrity in the judiciary while harnessing technology for fairness, transparency, and human dignity," he emphasized.
He also highlighted that the original Indian judicial system consisted of traditional paper-based files containing handwritten pleadings, witness testimonies, and written judgments.
"These files were bulky, leading to storage constraints and often inadequate courtrooms where judicial officers would be hidden behind the files," he explained.
He added that significant changes began with improvements in judicial infrastructure, such as the establishment of more courts, additional staff, and record rooms. These changes were particularly impactful in the 21st century, transforming the legal landscape worldwide.
He stated that technology is redefining how legal tasks are performed, how legal professionals and judges engage with information, and crucially, how citizens access justice.
"We have adopted technology thoughtfully, leveraging its advantages while protecting our core values such as fairness, due process, transparency, human dignity, and accountability," he said.
"What initially began as a modest digitization of paperwork has evolved into a reimagining of how legal work is formulated, executed, and delivered," he added.
He emphasized that this transformation is not about replacing human judgment; rather, it is about amplifying its reach, precision, and purpose.
He added that for the Indian judiciary and court administration, technology has become a force multiplier, with courts introducing virtual hearings, e-filing, and online dispute resolution, extending the reach of justice far beyond traditional boundaries.
"Case management systems, electronic registries, and digital filing platforms have brought about unprecedented transparency and efficiency," he underscored.
"Judicial officers can now access case histories, precedents, and hearing transcripts at a glance, enabling faster and more informed decision-making," he said.
The CJI suggested that for a jurisdiction of Bhutan's scale, the most effective reforms are not necessarily the most expensive, but the most integrated, and the country should adopt a "justice kiosk" model, allowing a villager in Lhuentse to participate in a hearing in Thimphu without the exhausting and expensive journey.
"By bringing the courtroom to the community, we ensure that geography is no longer a barrier to justice," he said, adding that the second step should be "procedural simplicity," enabling a simple land dispute or a small-claims matter to be initiated via a user-friendly mobile interface.
The third and most vital step is strengthening legal aid through teleservices, connecting dedicated paralegals with indigent litigants via simple digital conduits, and providing early-stage legal advice before grievances escalate.
