In the last 20 years, there has been a notable shift in the world, primarily due to the impact of digitalization. Modern technologies have revolutionized every industry, from banking to healthcare, altering how we do business and obtain services. Thanks to its ability to increase productivity and improve experiences, digitalization has gained its reputation as the current buzzword.

Within this framework, there is room for developing technologies to become more prominent in the judiciary. The rapid integration of technology over the past ten years has resulted in a dramatic overhaul of the Indian judiciary, which is renowned for its colossal role in upholding justice. The introduction of digital technology has brought about a new age in the administration of justice in India by streamlining legal procedures and improving accessibility and transparency.

The Indian judiciary has welcomed the digital age of e-courts and online case management systems. This change in approach has improved the efficiency of the justice delivery system by streamlining procedures, cutting down on paperwork, and minimizing delays.

Meaning of Legal Technology

The tools and technologies employed by lawyers and other professionals in the legal area to perform their duties are referred to as legal technology or legal tech. It includes programs like legal accounting software, e-discovery tools, practice management systems, and document automation specially made for the legal industry. These innovations increase productivity, simplify legal procedures, and provide better client care. It includes the application of numerous technologies to enhance the efficacy, accessibility, and efficiency of legal services, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Automation, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Data Analytics.

The following are the main functions that legal technology fulfils in Indian law:

• Case Management
• Legal research
• Contract Management
• Document Automation
• Online Dispute Resolution
• Access to Justice
• Legal Analytics
• E-Discovery
• E-Filing

Benefits of Technology in Law

Legal technology has completely changed the legal sector and is very advantageous to both law companies and individual solicitors. Here are a few main benefits:

• Increased Productivity: Lawyers can complete regular work more swiftly and easily thanks to legal tech. For example, having access to a sizable collection of common forms and templates makes it possible to complete court paperwork more quickly. Using technology to streamline legal work increases productivity across the board.
• Enhanced Workflow: For efficient legal work, lawyers must communicate well with one another. Document and business management systems provide an only source of truth, which assists legal firms in developing methodical procedures, making checklists for regular activities, and safely meeting deadlines.
• Better Client Service: Information about cases should be kept up to date for clients. Legal technology makes this possible by providing a thorough means of informing clients. Through online client portals, clients and business partners may easily share documents and monitor the status of their cases.

Indian Judiciary in Covid Times

Technology was crucial in changing the Indian judiciary during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few noteworthy features:

• Video conferencing and e-filing: The Supreme Court and High Courts frequently held sessions by video conferencing and adopted e-filing for urgent cases. This decreased the time litigants and solicitors had to travel and the number of people who attended congested courts by enabling remote participation.
   
• Digital Courts: During COVID-19, India's digitalization effort accelerated. As a component of the Green Initiative, digital courts expedite the filing and hearing of cases by utilizing virtual platforms and software. Enhanced effectiveness, better accessibility, transparency, lower costs, and sustainability are some of the main benefits.
   
• Creative Solutions: The court implemented AI judgment translation, GPS-enabled summons software, and case trend tracking. These tech-based solutions improve the accessibility and efficiency of the legal system.
   
• Online Hearings: Thanks to platforms like Zoom and Skype, the judiciary was able to quickly adjust to the new normal.

Technology made it possible for court cases to continue, guaranteeing the administration of justice even in difficult circumstances.

Technology has become a "powerful force" for justice, according to Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, and it is important to make sure that technical solutions are created with inclusivity and equity in mind.

The CJI emphasized that it was important to acknowledge the importance of developing a common commitment to justice.

"The deep-seated structural and financial hierarchies within Indian society demand consideration to ensure that technology does not inadvertently exacerbate existing problems," said the Chief Justice of India.

During his speech, Justice Chandrachud emphasized the importance of updating courtrooms and infrastructure while also ensuring that technology is used to promote accountability and transparency rather than to maintain inequity and opacity.

Technology for virtual courts is here to stay, both now and forever: CJI Chandrachud
While noting that technology should bring about a transformation rather than merely automation, the CJI mentioned the e-courts project, which attempts to use technology to increase citizens' access to justice.

The founding chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Nandan Nilekani, also stated that judicial services may be accessed instantly with the use of technology.

He claimed that the Nyaya Setu, which is being developed to guarantee that legal services are available to everyone, will combine all available legal knowledge at users' fingertips in their preferred language and is powered by GPT and AI models.

The future of technology in judicial services, according to Mr. Nilekani, chairman and co-founder of Infosys, lies not in trying to automate single procedures but rather in taking a few high-volume, repeated case types and completely automating them.

Advanced technologies-based tools used by the Supreme Court of India

1. e-Courts Project: The goal of the e-Courts project is to digitize case administration, communication, and judicial procedures. It entails building a uniform digital infrastructure for all Indian courts, from lower courts to the Supreme Court. Litigants, solicitors, and judges can file cases online, obtain case information, and get electronic updates thanks to this scheme.
    
2. Electronic summons can be issued more easily thanks to the e-SCR (e-Summons, Case Registration, and Case Tracking) system. By using email or SMS, courts can serve summonses to parties more quickly and with less paperwork. Litigants can also monitor the status of their cases online.
    
3. The Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software, or SUVAS, is a machine-assisted translation tool driven by artificial intelligence. It facilitates the translation of English court documents into colloquial tongues and vice versa. This solution guarantees that legal material is available to a larger audience and helps to overcome linguistic obstacles.
    
4. The Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court Efficiency, or SUPACE, processes enormous volumes of data obtained during case filings and judgment translations by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. It helps judges make decisions and manage cases. By delivering insightful information and eliminating tedious procedures, the gateway increases productivity.

Conclusion
Nearly every facet of the legal field has been impacted by legal technology, which has also improved legal professionals' proficiency. Even if there are many advantages to using new technology in the legal area, it is crucial to do so carefully and morally, considering issues like cybersecurity, data privacy, and preserving the human aspect in legal practice. Legal practitioners should keep applying their knowledge and judgment while utilizing technology as a tool to expand their capacities and provide better legal services.

References:

• https://www.freelaw.in/legalarticles/Role-and-Future-of-Legal-Technology-in-the-Indian-Judicial-System
• https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/technology-can-help-in-enabling-access-to-judicial-services-at-finger-tips-nandan-nilekani/article67805365.ece
• https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/technology-has-emerged-as-powerful-force-for-justice-cji-dy-chandrachud/article67807393.ece