The Impact Of ICT On The Indian Judicial System
- IJLLR Journal
- Feb 21
- 2 min read
Muthu D, Guest Faculty, School of Excellence In Law, The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai
ABSTRACT
The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Indian judiciary has significantly transformed the legal landscape, enhancing judicial efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. The traditional court system in India has long been plagued by pendency of cases, procedural delays, and administrative inefficiencies. The advent of ICT-driven initiatives such as e-Courts, Virtual Hearings, Online Case Management, and Artificial Intelligence-based Legal Research has paved the way for a more streamlined and technology-enabled justice delivery system. The E-Courts Project, launched under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), aims to digitize case records, enable e-filing, and facilitate real-time access to judicial proceedings. Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s adoption of AI- based transcription tools and digital databases has enhanced legal research and case law analysis, reducing the burden on judicial officers. Despite these advancements, challenges persist in the form of digital divide, cybersecurity risks, data privacy concerns, and infrastructural limitations in rural areas. The lack of digital literacy among legal practitioners and litigants also hinders the full potential of ICT implementation. Addressing these challenges requires a robust legal and regulatory framework, increased funding, and capacity- building measures for stakeholders. Additionally, judicial reforms should focus on artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and cloud-based court management systems to further modernize the judiciary. The future of ICT in the Indian judiciary lies in striking a balance between technological advancement and fundamental rights, ensuring that digitalization does not compromise access to justice. With proper implementation, ICT can be a powerful tool to uphold the principles of fairness, efficiency, and transparency in the legal system, ultimately fostering a more effective rule of law in India.
Keywords: ICT, Indian Judiciary, e-Courts, Digital Justice, Legal Technology