Language Barriers Preventing Effective Engagement with Courts: CJI DY Chandrachud
(Judicial Quest News Network)
August 10,2024
In an address at the inaugural session of a two-day National Conference on Technology in Indian Courts, (The Landscape of Technology in Courts in India and the Way Forward), Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud articulated a forward-looking vision for the legal profession, emphasizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing judicial efficiency. This conference, held at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy, was attended by Supreme Court Justices Suryakant and Rajesh Bindal, along with Chief Justices and judges from various high courts, including the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Chief Justice Chandrachud reflected on the legal field’s historical adaptability to technological advancements and expressed confidence that AI would follow a similar trajectory. He drew parallels between the adoption of previous technologies by lawyers and the current shift towards AI, suggesting that this new wave of innovation could similarly augment the profession’s efficiency without compromising its core skills.
During his keynote address, the Chief Justice highlighted the profound impact of technology on the legal domain. He noted that younger lawyers now have more time freed from monotonous tasks, allowing them to hone essential skills such as rigorous legal analysis and strategic problem-solving. This shift, according to him, has the potential to mirror earlier technological integrations within the profession, leading to enhanced productivity and more focus on high-value activities.
Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized the need to embrace AI for automating routine tasks, such as case law research, filing pleadings, reviewing contracts, and conducting due diligence. He asserted that delegating these tasks to AI would enable lawyers to concentrate on more critical aspects of their practice, such as crafting legal strategies, engaging in sophisticated argumentation, and providing personalized client services.
Despite the enthusiasm for AI, the Chief Justice also cautioned against over-relying on technology for tasks that require creativity and nuanced legal reasoning, which he believes remain distinctly human domains. He illustrated how AI can significantly contribute to routine legal work, thereby optimizing the time lawyers spend on complex legal issues and strategic matters.
The Chief Justice underscored that technology is not merely a modern convenience but a fundamental element of the judicial system. He pointed to examples like live streaming of court proceedings and virtual hearings as quintessential instances of how technology fosters transparency and accountability within the judiciary. These advancements not only make courts more accessible but also uphold the values of democracy and equitable justice.
He further highlighted the role of AI in improving access to justice, mentioning the Supreme Court’s use of the Vidhik Anuvad software, which translates judgments and orders into regional languages. This initiative aims to bridge linguistic gaps and ensure that judicial decisions are accessible across diverse linguistic communities in India.
Concluding his address, Chief Justice Chandrachud expressed his optimism for the conference, wishing participants a productive experience. He anticipated that the discussions would lead to meaningful exchanges of ideas and innovations that could further advance the integration of technology in the judicial system, ultimately enhancing justice delivery and the quality of jurisprudence.
In summary, Chief Justice Chandrachud’s address at the conference highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into the legal field. His reflections underscored the importance of leveraging technology to improve efficiency while maintaining the essential human elements of legal practice.
