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Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Thursday advocated technology-driven reforms in Bhutan’s judicial system and emphasised that access to justice in the modern era depends significantly on the effective use of technological advancements.
Delivering a keynote address at the Royal University of Bhutan in Thimphu on the theme “Access to Justice in the 21st Century: Technology, Legal Aid and People-Centred Courts,” the CJI highlighted how digital tools can expand the reach and efficiency of judicial systems.
Justice Kant also said he had conveyed to Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay that the Supreme Court of India, along with various high courts, would be happy to offer internship opportunities to Bhutanese students.
“Let us remember that technology is merely the modern vessel in this era, and our task is to ensure that while the tools of the 21st century are sophisticated, they remain as humble and accessible as the tongue of the people,” he said.
“In the end, what we must unflinchingly understand is that justice is not a cloistered virtue locked behind the heavy wooden doors of a courtroom; instead, it is a living presence that must be allowed to walk out into the world,” he added.
Justice Kant said the Indian judiciary would consider facilitating student exchanges, including boarding and lodging where necessary, so that financial limitations do not prevent students from gaining practical legal exposure.
“Experiencing the workings of the court firsthand is an essential part of quality legal education,” he said.
Highlighting the evolution of the Indian judicial system, the CJI noted that courts earlier functioned largely through bulky paper files containing handwritten pleadings, witness depositions and judgments, often creating challenges in storage and accessibility.
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He said the transformation began with improvements in judicial infrastructure, but the most significant changes came in the 21st century as technology started reshaping legal processes across the world.
“Technology is redefining how legal tasks are performed, how legal professionals and judges engage with information, and crucially, how citizens access justice,” he said.
Justice Kant noted that courts in India have adopted innovations such as virtual hearings, e-filing and online dispute resolution mechanisms, which have expanded access to justice beyond geographical barriers.
“Case management systems, electronic registries and digital filing platforms have brought about an unprecedented degree of transparency and efficiency,” he said.
The CJI also proposed specific reforms suited to Bhutan’s scale, including a “justice kiosk” model that would allow citizens in remote areas to participate in court hearings without travelling long distances.
“By bringing the courtroom to the community, we ensure that geography is no longer a tax on the seeker of justice,” he said.
He also suggested simplifying procedures through mobile-friendly digital platforms and strengthening legal aid by connecting paralegals with litigants through teleservices.
Justice Kant said the future of judicial reform lies in using technology not merely to digitise existing systems but to democratise the judicial process while safeguarding fairness, transparency and human dignity.
