The Supreme Court of India has embarked on a historic journey to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies into its case management systems, marking a significant leap toward modernizing judicial processes. These advancements are part of a broader strategy to improve efficiency, accessibility, and accuracy in the administration of justice across the nation.
AI tools have already been deployed for transcribing oral arguments in Constitution Bench matters, transforming how information is documented during court proceedings. The transcriptions, generated in real-time with AI assistance, are accessible on the Supreme Court’s official website. Following the success of this initiative, the competent authorities are considering extending this technology to include transcriptions during regular hearing days, typically scheduled for Thursdays. This move is aimed at standardizing records and increasing transparency for litigants and the general public.
In a groundbreaking effort to bridge language barriers, the Supreme Court Registry has partnered with the National Informatics Centre to employ AI and ML-based systems to translate judicial judgments from English into 18 Indian languages. These languages include Assamese, Bengali, Garo, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Khasi, Konkani, Malayali, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Santali, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. The translated judgments are made available through the eSCR portal, ensuring greater accessibility for a diverse linguistic population and reinforcing the principles of inclusivity.
Collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras has led to the development and deployment of sophisticated AI and ML tools integrated into the electronic filing software of the Supreme Court Registry. These tools play a pivotal role in identifying defects in filing processes, a critical step in ensuring procedural compliance. In a pilot phase, access to this technology has been granted to 200 Advocates-on-Record, who have been invited to test the system and provide valuable feedback. This feedback loop is expected to further refine the tools, contributing to the broader goal of enhancing the right to access to justice and strengthening the administration of justice.
Beyond defect identification, the Supreme Court is testing prototype AI and ML tools for curing procedural defects, extracting data and metadata, and seamlessly integrating these capabilities with the Integrated Case Management & Information System (ICMIS). These developments underline a focused approach toward creating a more streamlined and user-friendly judicial process, harnessing the power of technology to address systemic inefficiencies.
In another innovative endeavor, the AI tool known as Supreme Court Portal Assistance in Court Efficiency (SUPACE) is under experimental development. This tool aims to analyze the factual matrix of cases through intelligent searches for precedents, as well as identification of relevant cases. Currently in a testing phase, SUPACE’s deployment is contingent on acquiring state-of-the-art technologies, including graphic processing units and Tensor Processing Units. Once operational, SUPACE is expected to serve as a cornerstone of judicial reform, enhancing research capabilities and decision support systems within the court.
However, it is important to note that none of these AI and ML tools are being used in the Supreme Court’s decision-making processes. The technology’s role is strictly confined to improving procedural efficiency, documentation, and case management.
These advancements reflect the Supreme Court’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to uphold the ideals of justice, equity, and accessibility. By embracing AI and ML, the judiciary is not only addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving legal landscape but also setting a precedent for other institutions worldwide. These measures, led by the Registry of the Supreme Court in collaboration with premier technology institutions, signify a new era of judicial innovation and inclusivity.
The vision behind these initiatives is both ambitious and transformative, seeking to establish the Supreme Court as a global leader in integrating technology with traditional judicial principles. As these tools evolve and mature, they promise to bring unprecedented transparency, accountability, and efficiency to one of the world’s largest judicial systems. The integration of AI into case management is not merely a technological upgrade but a forward-thinking approach to reimagining the judiciary for the digital age.
