CJI Surya Kant Says Judiciary Must Function Like Hospitals Offering 24×7 Relief

In a significant push for judicial reforms, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said that the judiciary must evolve into a system that functions like hospitals offering 24×7 emergency services. Speaking at an event organised by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, CJI Kant stressed that courts should be capable of providing immediate relief to citizens facing urgent legal issues.

The event was held on the theme “Fragmentation to Fusion: Empowering Justice via United Digital Platform Integration.” During his address, CJI Kant highlighted the growing importance of technology and artificial intelligence in improving judicial efficiency and access to justice.

“The time has come for the judiciary to work like hospitals that provide 24×7 emergency services to address the aspirations, requirements, demands, pain and agony of the common man through a system that provides immediate relief,” the CJI said.

He appreciated the efforts of the High Court and the Madhya Pradesh government in developing digital systems aimed at improving judicial access. According to him, such platforms help litigants obtain information about their cases more efficiently while also reducing delays in court processes.

Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, CJI Kant described it as a major turning point in the Indian judiciary’s technological transformation. He recalled that despite uncertainties during the pandemic, Indian courts continued functioning and ensured that urgent matters were heard without interruption.

“The real game changer in terms of the infusion of technology as an integral part of the judicial system came during COVID,” he said, adding that the Indian judiciary gained global recognition for maintaining constitutional functions even during difficult times.

The CJI also revealed that the Supreme Court of India has formed a committee to study how artificial intelligence can assist in reducing pendency and speeding up case disposal. He said technology and AI-driven judicial infrastructure are necessary to save judicial time and improve transparency within the system.

“We should think of deepening technology and AI-based judicial architecture. Technology is the only effective answer to wasting judicial time. It would also bring transparency,” he observed.

Emphasising the constitutional importance of technology, CJI Kant referred to Article 39A of the Constitution, which promotes equal and affordable access to justice. He said technology is no longer merely an administrative tool but has become a constitutional necessity for ensuring timely justice delivery.

At the same time, the CJI cautioned against excluding rural and tribal populations from the digital transition. He pointed out that many people in remote areas still find digital systems unfamiliar, making investment in technological training and awareness essential for inclusive justice delivery.