Sri Lankan Supreme Court Justice Advocates for Live Streaming Inspired by Indian Model
In a significant development highlighting the growing influence of Indian jurisprudence on the global stage, Justice AHM Dilip Nawaz of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka revealed on Saturday that he was inspired by watching live proceedings of the Supreme Court of India to propose similar live streaming for Sri Lanka's highest court. The revelation came during his address at the inaugural ceremony of the 2nd international legal conference of the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Associations, held in Panaji.
Cross-Border Legal Inspiration and Advocacy
Justice Nawaz, speaking to an audience comprising judges and lawyers from the Supreme Court of India and various high courts, shared his personal experience with India's live court broadcasts. "...some of their (advocates') advocacy is well seen by us on the live streaming of some of your battle scenes. I also mooted in Sri Lanka that we should also live stream ourselves," he stated, emphasizing the practical benefits of such transparency.
He further elaborated on how Indian legal proceedings have become a part of his routine, noting, "We see Kapil Sibal and a few others doing their forensic battles on live streaming... and we see all of them... At night, sometimes it became a routine to listen to Indian jurisprudence." This candid admission underscores the deep respect and reliance on Indian legal expertise, as Justice Nawaz added, "I must say we look for jurisprudential assistance to the Indian Supreme Court."
Complexities of Modern Legal Disputes and Technological Integration
Also addressing the conference, Justice J K Maheshwari of the Supreme Court of India highlighted the evolving nature of legal disputes in today's world. He pointed out that contemporary challenges are more intricate than in the past, driven by layered economic relationships, dense regulatory frameworks, and rapidly changing social realities. Technology, he noted, has fundamentally altered not only the delivery of justice but also public perception of it.
Justice Maheshwari explained, "Judgements are analysed instantly and debated publicly, and sometimes reduced to headlines. It is in this very environment that the responsibility on legal institutions has only grown." This observation reflects the heightened scrutiny and accountability faced by judicial bodies in the digital age.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Human Judgment in Law
Delving into the specifics of technological advancements, Justice Maheshwari discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the legal profession. He acknowledged that AI offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency and precision, particularly in legal research and administrative tasks. However, he cautioned against over-reliance on technology, stating, "...law is not a mechanical exercise. It is rooted in human experience."
He emphasized that justice inherently requires human judgment and discretion, qualities that cannot be fully replicated by machines. As technology becomes increasingly embedded in legal practices, the key challenge, according to Justice Maheshwari, is to ensure that innovation strengthens rather than dilutes the human core of justice. This balanced perspective calls for a thoughtful integration of tech tools while preserving the essential human elements of the legal system.
The conference in Panaji thus served as a platform for discussing critical issues at the intersection of law, technology, and international legal cooperation, with insights from prominent jurists shaping the future of judicial processes.
