Tech Must Aid, Not Replace Judicial Decision-Making: CJI BR Gavai At Cambridge Symposium

However, he also issued a cautionary note, asserting that while digital tools are essential, they must complement, never replaced, the core judicial function of reasoned decision-making.

Delivering the keynote, CJI B. R. Gavai stated, “Technology must enhance rather than replace judicial functions, particularly reasoned decision-making and individual case assessment. We must ensure that automated systems support rather than supplant judicial judgment.”

He stressed that no meaningful reform in justice delivery can be achieved without sound policy interventions, calling for governance frameworks that ensure human oversight, algorithmic transparency, and accountability in all tech-enabled judicial processes.

Bridging the Justice Gap with Technology

CJI Gavai outlined a forward-looking roadmap for a digitally empowered judiciary, one that is inclusive, transparent, and citizen-centric. He reiterated that “access to justice is the backbone of any fair and equitable legal system,” particularly in a country where over two-thirds of the population resides in rural areas and more than 121 languages are spoken.

He highlighted how the Indian Constitution, through Articles 32 and 226, provides citizens with direct access to the Supreme Court and High Courts for the enforcement of fundamental rights, provisions that become more meaningful when supported by technological access.

“Technology has become the bridge between the constitutional promise of justice and the lived experience of citizens,” the Chief Justice remarked.

Digital Tools Redefining Courtroom Access

Among the standout innovations transforming the Indian judiciary, CJI Gavai cited:

1. Video conferencing, which now allows lawyers from remote areas such as rural Bihar or Maharashtra to argue matters before the Supreme Court without the burden of travel.

2. The Case Information System, which enables citizens to track case status, download orders, and view hearing schedules online.

3. SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software), an AI-driven translation tool that converts legal documents into nine regional languages, empowering non-English speakers.

4. The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), which now tracks over 23 crore cases and 22 crore orders from 18,000+ courts, enabling data-backed judicial reforms and real-time performance monitoring.

He also praised the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) for its use of technology to reach marginalised and vulnerable populations, ensuring that legal aid is not just a right on paper but a tangible reality.

“These innovations are not just conveniences,” he said. “They are lifelines for those who would otherwise be left outside the judicial system," he added.

A Note of Caution: The Digital Divide

While celebrating the achievements of digital integration in India’s legal system, the Chief Justice cautioned against the dangers of technology becoming a new barrier rather than a bridge.

“The digital divide is real,” he warned. “Without equitable access to internet connectivity, devices, and digital literacy, marginalized communities risk further exclusion," he said. 

He emphasized that accessibility and inclusion must be foundational to the design of any technology implemented in the justice system.

“As we readily integrate technology in our quest to make justice more accessible, we must also acknowledge that technology can act as a double-edged sword... If we are not cautious, we may end up replicating or even exacerbating existing inequalities in a new digital form," he added. 

Towards a Human-Centric Legal Tech Future

Concluding his address, CJI Gavai reiterated that the justice system must be shaped by empathy, human judgment, and constitutional morality, with technology serving as a tool for empowerment, not exclusion.