India Advocates Data-Driven Justice Reform

Summary of India's Commitment to Justice Reforms at OECD Global Roundtable

Event Overview:

• Participation in the 10th OECD Global Roundtable on Equal Access to Justice in Madrid, Spain.
• Focus on "Data-Driven and Resilient Justice Systems for Shared Prosperity."

Key Speaker:

• Union Minister of State for Law & Justice, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal.

Constitutional Reference:

• Article 39A: Enshrines equal justice and free legal aid for all, guiding India’s justice reforms.
• Quote from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar underscores the principle of justice involving equality and liberty.

Justice Reforms Initiatives:

• e-Courts Mission Mode Project (Third Phase: 2023–2027):

  • Aims to create intelligent, paperless courts.
  • Utilizes technologies like AI, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing.
  • Current digitization of over 560 crore pages of judicial records.
  • Facilitated over 3.86 crore virtual hearings, significantly reducing time and costs.

• Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS):

  • Digital linkage between courts, police, prosecution, prisons, and forensic services for expedited decision-making.

• Legal Information Management and Briefing System (LIMBS):

  • Enhances judicial efficiency and streamlines government litigation.

Flagship Programmes:

• DISHA (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice):

  • Integrates digital innovation with community outreach for justice service accessibility.

• Tele-Law Initiative:

  • Provided free legal advice to over 1.1 crore citizens in 22 languages, enhancing access across geographical and linguistic barriers.

Technology Integration in Justice:

• Use of AI under ethically guided frameworks:
  • SUVAS: Software for translating judgments into regional languages.
  • SUPACE: Portal Assistance for intelligent case research.
  • AI-assisted systems for filing and case management.

International Collaboration:

• India organized the "1st Regional Conference on Access to Legal Aid" in November 2023, with 191 participants from 51 countries discussing innovative legal aid delivery models.

Minister's Pledge:

• Commitment to collaborate with OECD and other nations on ethical AI governance, data interoperability, and digital inclusion.
• Emphasis on building resilient justice systems to ensure equitable access globally.

Philosophical Foundation:

• Guided by "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The World is One Family), promoting global cooperation for justice.

Conclusion:

• India's efforts reflect a commitment to a people-centered, data-driven, and innovation-forward approach to justice delivery, reinforcing an inclusive legal framework responsive to citizen needs.