AI Law - International Review of Artificial Intelligence Law
G. Giappichelli Editore

01/07/2024 - Legal Technology: Transforming the Indian Judicial System (India)

argument: Notizie/News - AI in Judicial Activities

According to an article from Free Law, the integration of advanced technology in the Indian judicial system is profoundly transforming how legal processes are conducted. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual tools like Microsoft Teams, Google Docs, and Legodesk, enabling legal professionals to collaborate efficiently, access vast legal databases, and conduct research more swiftly. The Indian judiciary, including the Supreme Court and High Courts, has implemented several technology-driven initiatives to enhance judicial efficiency and transparency.

One notable case is Swapnil Tripathi vs. Supreme Court of India (2018), where the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of live-streaming court proceedings to promote open justice. Following this, the E-committee proposed guidelines for live streaming, focusing on confidentiality and privacy concerns. They also recommended incorporating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) within the judiciary, leading to the development of a unified Case Information System (CIS) to cater to diverse local practices and languages.

The Supreme Court has also initiated projects like the e-Courts project, aimed at digitizing court processes and integrating with the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) to provide electronic services. The e-SCR (Electronic Supreme Court Reports) allows for digital access to Supreme Court judgments, enhancing legal research capabilities. Other platforms like SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software) and SUPACE (Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court’s Efficiency) are in place to further streamline judicial operations.

In May 2023, the Supreme Court invited bids for the design and implementation of AI tools to transcribe court proceedings, reflecting a significant digital shift. Additionally, advancements such as LED video walls, state-of-the-art digital video conferencing, and free WiFi facilities were introduced in courtrooms to support this digital transition. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud highlighted the potential of AI in translating judgments into regional languages, a move applauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.