Technology double-edged sword, must enhance functions not replace decision making: CJI Gavai

UNDERLINING technology's “double-edged sword” nature, Chief Justice of India B R Gavai has said such innovations must enhance judicial functions and not replace the decision making process.

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Speaking at the international symposium on "The Role of Technology to Improve Access to Justice" at the University of Cambridge on June 9, the CJI, emphasised the transformative power of technology in enhancing access to justice in a vast, diverse, and complex country like India.

Justice Gavai said judiciary in India readily integrated technology in the quest for making justice more accessible.

"We must also acknowledge that technology can act as a double-edged sword, which may also lead to unparalleled divides. A primary concern is the digital divide, where unequal access to internet connectivity, devices, and digital literacy can lead to the exclusion of marginalised communities who already face barriers to justice. For technology to truly serve justice, accessibility and inclusion must be foundational to its design," he said.

Justice Gavai, however, said no revolution in the justice delivery mechanism could be achieved without policy interventions.

"The governance frameworks that ensure human oversight, algorithmic transparency, and accountability for technology-mediated decisions should be developed," he said.