Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant has articulated a vision for judicial reform that integrates world-class infrastructure, technology, and constitutional values to make justice more accessible, efficient, and humane. Speaking ahead of the inauguration of the Tower of Justice in Gurugram, the CJI emphasized that modern court facilities and access to justice are complementary pillars of an effective justice delivery system.
Infrastructure and Justice as Complementary Pillars
Justice Surya Kant stated that a court building gains meaning only when it reduces the distance between the citizen and justice. He said, “Infrastructure is essential because it creates the conditions for efficient functioning, better case management and dignified access to courts. At the same time, the real test is whether the ordinary litigant feels heard, respected and treated with fairness.”
The CJI underscored that judicial modernisation extends beyond constructing world-class court complexes or adopting cutting-edge technology. Every reform initiative must ultimately strengthen public confidence in the justice delivery system and reinforce the constitutional promise that justice remains accessible to every citizen.
Technology as a Constitutional Instrument
Addressing the judiciary’s ongoing digital transformation, Justice Surya Kant cautioned that technology should not be viewed merely as an administrative convenience. He remarked, “Technology has become a constitutional instrument. It can improve transparency, accessibility and efficiency, but it cannot replace judicial conscience. The responsibility of ensuring fairness will always remain with human judges.”
He acknowledged that technology and artificial intelligence can substantially augment judicial administration by improving efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. However, the legitimacy of the justice delivery system will always rest on human judgement, constitutional conscience, and the confidence reposed by citizens in the courts.
e-Courts Programme and Human Element
Referring to the e-Courts programme, the CJI highlighted initiatives such as electronic filing, virtual hearings, digital records, and technology-enabled case management. These are intended to make courts more accessible and efficient without diluting the human element of adjudication.
Removing Barriers to Justice
Justice Surya Kant linked judicial reform to the constitutional guarantee of equality before the law. He said the objective is not merely to improve disposal rates but to ensure that financial, social, or procedural disadvantages never become obstacles to justice. He stated, “No citizen should feel that justice is beyond reach because of financial, social or procedural barriers. The legal system must be approachable, compassionate and inclusive.”
Tower of Justice Inauguration
The newly constructed Tower of Justice (New Judicial Courts Complex) in Gurugram will be inaugurated on Sunday by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
