Bridging Justice: Technology as a Catalyst for Legal Aid in India

In a compelling address, Supreme Court judge Surya Kant underscored the transformative power of technology in delivering legal aid across India, urging for solutions that ensure inclusivity amid the digital divide. He emphasized that technology, if harnessed correctly, can revolutionize access to justice by overcoming persistent barriers.

Speaking at the 'Justice R C Lahoti Memorial Lecture' in Faridabad, Justice Kant detailed the challenges faced by marginalized groups, citing inadequacies in the current legal aid framework, and the untapped potential of digital tools. He noted that despite constitutional mandates, many Indians still face formidable barriers to accessing justice.

Justice Kant proposed leveraging mobile technology and artificial intelligence to democratize legal awareness and aid, while cautioning that digital initiatives must prioritize ethics, privacy, and digital literacy. He also called for government and judiciary collaboration to ensure comprehensive justice reform through digital strategies.

(With inputs from agencies.)