Supreme Court Judge Advocates Use of Telugu in District Courts for Enhanced Legal Access
(Judicial Quest News Network)
In a significant move to promote regional language use in the judicial system, Supreme Court Judge, Justice Pamidighantam Shri Narasimha, emphasized the importance of incorporating Telugu in district courts. Speaking at the virtual inauguration of 31 Seva Kendras and three Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for judicial officers, Justice Narasimha proposed that students from national law colleges be encouraged to argue cases in Telugu in district courts. He argued that this initiative would not only preserve the cultural essence of the language but also revive its great values within the legal system.
Justice Narasimha highlighted the connection between language and thought, stating that “what we are is determined by what we speak.” He further explained that language is integral to the judiciary as it acts as a bridge between the legal system and the public. If we lose our language, he cautioned, we risk losing a vital part of our identity and the rich heritage embedded within it. According to Justice Narasimha, the values, ideas, and traditions of a society are deeply rooted in its language, and the legal community must recognize the role language plays in shaping and preserving them.
The occasion also saw the unveiling of 31 Seva Kendras, which will aid in the digitization of judicial processes and improve accessibility to legal services across the state. Additionally, three cutting-edge AI tools were introduced to assist judicial officers. These tools include Shruti, a speech-to-text tool, Saransh Summerising Judgements, which aids in translating verdicts, and Saransh, an AI-driven tool designed to provide precise summaries of judgments. Justice Narasimha praised these advancements, stating that they would enhance efficiency in legal processes and support judges in managing their caseloads more effectively.
Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court, Alok Aradya, along with other judicial officers, was present at the event, which underscored the growing importance of technology in the judicial system. The Seva Kendras and AI tools are expected to benefit litigants, lawyers, and judicial officers by streamlining processes and improving the accessibility of judicial services.
By advocating for the use of Telugu in legal proceedings, Justice Narasimha underscored a broader vision for a more inclusive and accessible judiciary, one that ensures justice is not only served but is also delivered in a manner that resonates with the linguistic diversity of India.
