Bengaluru: Senior judges Saturday stressed that the judiciary must maintain a careful balance between innovation and inclusion, viewing technology as both a powerful enabler of justice and a source of emerging challenges.They emphasised that the goal of technological adoption is to make the rule of law more effective, efficient, and accessible.Speaking at the South Zone–I regional conference on “Advancing rule of law through technology: Challenges and Opportunities,” organised by the Karnataka Judicial Academy and the state high court in collaboration with the National Judicial Academy, judges noted that digital tools are no longer optional for the justice system. At the same time, they said constitutional safeguards must evolve to address concerns around unequal access, data protection, digital literacy, and procedural fairness.Supreme Court judge Justice Alok Aradhe said: “Technology in judiciary is now a constitutional necessity, widening access through e-filing, e-payments, video conferencing, online dispute resolution, mobile courts, and e-Seva Kendras—breaking barriers with every digital doorway. Tools like the National Judicial Data Grid, live-streamed hearings, and online judgments enhance transparency, while automation in case listing, evidence management, and workflows tackles delays.“He added: “We must proceed with caution to bridge the digital divide through training for lawyers, court staff, and litigants, while safeguarding sensitive records and personal data, because digital justice cannot come at the cost of constitutional liberty.”Chief Justice of the Karnataka high court Vibhu Bakhru said the judiciary stood at a crucial transition point. “Technology is now integral to justice, turning what once seemed futuristic into a daily reality, accelerated by the pandemic. Yet challenges remain: digital literacy, accessibility, infrastructure, data protection, and procedural adaptation are pressing concerns. The digital divide persists, with rural litigants, lawyers, and court staff facing connectivity and training gaps. Judicial education is ongoing—our understanding must evolve alongside technology.”He added: “Future courts will rely heavily on online dispute resolution for small claims, consumer disputes, and pre-litigation settlements. Intelligent decision support systems will help judges manage data, track precedents, and handle routine tasks. Courts must balance freedom of expression with the sanctity of proceedings, safeguarding fair trial rights, judicial independence, and dignity. With cyber offences growing in complexity, judges must understand online fraud, data theft, privacy violations, and electronic evidence. Digital forensics is now foundational… while laws must keep pace with technology.”
