Chief Justice Surya Kant inaugurated Jharkhand High Court's data centre and new digital services. He said technology must widen access while preserving security, fairness and human oversight.Ranchi,Nov 2, 2026 23:06 ISTChief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday called for the use of modern technology to make the judicial system more accessible, efficient and responsive, while stressing that digital innovation must complement rather than replace judicial wisdom and human judgement, news agency Press Trust of India reported.Speaking at the inauguration of the Jharkhand High Court data centre in Ranchi, Justice Kant said the success of technology in the judiciary should be measured not by the sophistication of the systems installed but by the difference they make to litigants, advocates, judges and citizens.The event also marked the launch of the high court's revamped website, an online system to apply for certified copies from Jharkhand's civil courts, a personalised cause list and speech-to-text software.Describing the initiatives as important steps towards strengthening judicial administration, Justice Kant said modern courts increasingly rely on digital records, electronic communication and timely access to information. "Judicial infrastructure, therefore, must evolve to meet these requirements and ensure greater reliability and efficiency in the delivery of justice," he said.According to PTI, the CJI said technological progress must be supported by strong cybersecurity safeguards, reliable backup systems, regular testing and adequately trained technical personnel. "Judicial records contain sensitive information and must remain protected against unauthorised access, loss and disruption," he said.

Justice Kant cautioned that technology and artificial intelligence could assist with legal research, documentation and information management but could not replace a judge's duty to hear parties fairly, assess evidence and decide disputes according to the law. Confidentiality, accuracy, accountability and human oversight must remain central to every technological initiative in the judiciary, he said.He also warned that digitalisation should not create new barriers for people who lack digital literacy, reliable internet connectivity or the ability to use online platforms.

Digital services must expand access to justice rather than exclude people who are already disadvantaged, he said.The main data centre project, built at an investment of about Rs 25 crore, will provide the computing capacity, storage, connectivity, security and backup facilities needed to support digital judicial records and court applications.Justice Kant said the importance of the investment lay not in the equipment installed but in its ability to preserve judicial records, strengthen digital services and support future technology initiatives.Emphasising that digital transformation must extend beyond the high court, he said district courts, where many citizens first encounter the justice delivery system, should also receive stronger digital infrastructure. Better integration of judicial applications, electronic filing and video-conferencing facilities would help strengthen the judicial system across Jharkhand, he added.The CJI said a clear, reliable and user-friendly digital platform could save time, reduce uncertainty and improve transparency in judicial institutions.

The online system for certified copies from Jharkhand's civil courts would address a routine but important requirement in litigation."Since certified copies are often necessary for appeals and further legal proceedings, litigants living far from courts frequently face additional travel, expense and inconvenience to obtain them," Justice Kant said. The online facility would simplify the process and reduce unnecessary visits while maintaining the verification and accuracy required for judicial records.He said the personalised cause list would help advocates organise their working day more effectively by allowing them to locate cases, filter cause lists and retain relevant information for easy reference.On the speech-to-text software, the CJI said it could help judges and court staff prepare judgments, orders and other documents by reducing repetitive drafting work.

However, the output must be carefully checked, particularly for legal terms, names and citations. Speed must never come at the cost of accuracy, and responsibility for the final text must remain with the human user, he said.Justice Kant also said that "technological modernisation must not undermine the fundamental principles of judicial independence and fairness".Comparing the initiatives to streams that strengthen a river, he said the data centre, website, online certified copy facility, personalised cause list and speech-to-text software served different purposes but must work towards the common goal of making the justice system more accessible and responsive."Technology is only a means to an end and the ultimate measure of judicial modernisation would be whether litigants found it easier to approach courts, advocates could prepare more efficiently, and judges received better support in discharging their responsibilities," he said.The larger objective, the CJI said, was not merely to build stronger digital systems but to create a justice delivery system that serves people better while preserving accuracy, fairness, security and human oversight.- Ends