QUE : Technology has the potential to bring about drastic changes in the field of law and transform the court system. In this context, discuss the need for digitization of the Indian judiciary and the challenges faced in this regard.

The major technology-based reforms currently being implemented by the Indian judiciary include e-filing of applications, virtual hearings and live streaming of court proceedings. In addition, the courts have implemented two tools in their systems, SUVAS and SUPACE. SUVAS is an AI-enabled translation tool to convert order decisions into local languages, while SUPACE is being developed to act as an AI research assistant tool. Which shows the transformation that is taking place in the judiciary through technology.

               Although the adoption of technology in the Indian judiciary has gained momentum recently, the need for digitization has increased due to the following factors.

•  Need for digitization in the judiciary
  

1. Enhanced efficiency: Real-time online data will facilitate better identification and classification of cases.

2. Case Filing: Currently, the pendency of cases is more than 4.5 crore, which can be reduced with the help of virtual courts and technology.

3. Workload Reduction: Reducing paperwork will relieve judges and other court staff from administrative duties and they will be able to focus on judicial work.

4. Court Records: In place of physical records, online records are easier to maintain and secure and the issue of space for storing documents can also be resolved.

5. Reduction in Financial Costs: Digitization of the judiciary, such as using video and audio for hearings, can save significant court costs in terms of building, staff, infrastructure, security and transportation for all parties to court proceedings.

6. Transparency and Accountability: Digitization process can maintain transparency in court proceedings by allowing disclosure of certain court records and in the meantime, improper conduct and waste of time in the court can also be prevented.

7. Ease of Doing Business: Online resolution of contractual disputes through digitization will boost the confidence of local and foreign businesses, thereby increasing investment prospects in India.

                  The use of technology in the judiciary can bring about a radical change, but there are some challenges associated with it.

• Challenges

1. Awareness and Training: A large section of stakeholders like judges, court staff and advocates are incompetent due to lack of knowledge in the use of technology. Thus, despite having legal skills, there is a lack of technical competence.

2. Technological Infrastructure: According to a survey conducted by the Office of the Chief Justice of India, only 27% of the courtrooms in subordinate courts have computers at the judge’s podium and even out of these, 10% do not have proper internet facilities.

3. Connectivity: The 103rd Report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee has cited connectivity divide and lack of broadband internet as obstacles to digital courts. The disparity in internet access affects a significant number of litigants and lawyers and makes them vulnerable to the process of justice delivery.

4. Cyber ​​Security: Judicial data includes sensitive case information and claimant data. Thus, its electronic storage and transmission raises security and privacy concerns.

5. Procedural issues: Such as admissibility and authenticity of evidence obtained through video and audio transmission, identification of witnesses, confidentiality of hearings, etc.

6. Inadequate digital literacy: The low percentage of digital literacy in the country is also one of the biggest problems.

                   To address the above challenges, the government and the judiciary have taken initiatives like implementation of e-Courts Mission Mode Project, establishment of Judicial Service Centres, National Judicial DataGrid, Legal Information Management and Bridging System, etc. Along with this, social justice can be ensured through digitalization in the Indian judiciary, by providing internet connectivity through schemes like Bharat Net, strengthening cyber security, and keeping in mind the recommendations of the e-Committee and the 11th report of the 2″ ARC (promoting a governance).