“Technology Emerges as a Powerful Force for Justice”: CJI DY Chandrachud

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud stated on Saturday that technology has emerged as a “powerful force” for justice and emphasized the importance of ensuring that technological solutions are designed with equity and inclusivity in mind.

Addressing the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) – Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors General Conference, Justice Chandrachud highlighted the need to cultivate a shared commitment to justice. He stressed that law officers must remain impervious to the politics of the day and conduct themselves with dignity in courts to ensure the integrity of legal proceedings.

“While technology promises to enhance the speed and accessibility of justice, we must navigate carefully. The deep-seated structural and financial hierarchies within Indian society demand consideration to ensure that technology does not inadvertently exacerbate existing problems,” the CJI said.

Justice Chandrachud also mentioned the importance of modernizing courtrooms and facilities, ensuring that technology enhances transparency and accountability rather than perpetuating opacity and inequality. He referred to the e-Courts project, aiming to leverage technology for improved access to justice.

The CJI emphasized that technological solutions should be designed with equity and inclusivity in mind, considering the diverse needs and capabilities of all stakeholders. He underlined the significance of recognizing the importance of cultivating a shared commitment to justice.

Referring to recent initiatives such as the implementation of a standard operating procedure (SOP) guiding courts in summoning government officials, the CJI mentioned the collaborative approach involving legal officers, government officials, and the judiciary to reinforce ethical underpinnings of executive accountability.

Justice Chandrachud stressed the aim of the conference to foster collaboration between officers of the court entrusted with the responsibility of justice administration. He highlighted the need for global collaboration and trust-building to address diverse cross-border challenges to justice delivery.

The CJI also addressed the role of law officers in upholding ethics in legal practice, emphasizing their responsibility as representatives of the government and officers of the court. Justice Surya Kant, speaking at the conference, stated its significance in encouraging substantive discussions on pressing legal issues and promoting mutual understanding of legal mechanisms in Commonwealth nations.