As the world becomes increasingly digital, the concept of justice is evolving, and the crux of the matter is not just about written judgments, but about the human experience. According to Justice Surya Kant, a Supreme Court judge in India, the integration of technology in the legal system must not come at the cost of the right to be heard. He made these remarks while speaking at the Supreme Court of Kenya on the topic “Optimising Service Delivery in the Judiciary: Best Practices, Challenges, and Innovation.”
Kant emphasized that while technology has streamlined the process of dispensing justice, it is crucial to strike a balance between efficiency and fairness. “Swift justice must not become hurried justice,” he cautioned. “The delicate balance between efficiency and fairness remains the hallmark of a truly just legal system.” He warned that a two-tier justice system, where those without access to technology are left behind, would be a dire consequence of unchecked digitization.
Justice Kant highlighted the importance of trust in the judiciary, citing the Indian judiciary’s commitment to serving the people. “The greatest strength of the judiciary lies in the confidence it commands from the people,” he said. “This trust is not built overnight but is forged through consistent service, unwavering integrity, and a steadfast commitment to placing people at the heart of the justice delivery system.” He praised the Indian judiciary’s efforts in digitization, citing landmark judgments like Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala, which enshrined the Basic Structure doctrine, and the e-Courts Project, which has transformed the delivery of justice in India.
Kant emphasized the need for transparency, saying, “Transparency is the currency of trust in a democratic society.” He emphasized the importance of publishing judgments, digitizing court records, and adopting open data initiatives to empower citizens to hold the judiciary accountable. “Just as sunlight is the best disinfectant, transparency serves as the strongest safeguard against opacity and suspicion,” he said.
Regarding judicial independence, Kant stressed that it is the bedrock of democratic institutions, adding that it must be fortified by unwavering integrity. “The fight against corruption is not just a legal battle; it is a fight for the very soul of justice,” he said.
In conclusion, Justice Kant urged his audience to remember that the judiciary serves human lives, not just files. Every decision, every reform, and every innovation must place the citizen at the heart of the system. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of technology and justice, Kan’s words of wisdom serve as a timely reminder of the importance of balancing efficiency with fairness, transparency, and integrity.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/tech-integration-must-not-be-at-cost-of-right-to-be-heard-supreme-court-judge-9881725/
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Publish Date: 2025-03-12 03:32:00
