Sikkim Becomes India’s First Paperless Judiciary, Announces CJI Surya Kant

At the Conclave on Technology and Judicial Education held in Gangtok, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant declared Sikkim as the first paperless state judiciary in India, marking a significant shift in the country’s judicial functioning.

The announcement highlights a transition towards a system where court processes are conducted entirely through digital means. This includes e-filing, online hearings, digital records, and real-time case tracking, replacing traditional paper-based procedures.

During his address, Justice Surya Kant emphasised that judicial education must evolve alongside technological advancements. He stressed that judges must move beyond basic digital skills and develop a deeper understanding of emerging technologies and their impact on legal principles.

“the adoption of technology is not only about implementation, but also about a necessary shift in legal education. It is no longer sufficient to be well versed in the statutes of the past. The modern judge must also engage with the logic that underpins emerging technologies”, the CJI added.

He further highlighted the importance of equipping judges to critically analyse algorithm-driven systems. According to him, identifying bias in Artificial Intelligence is essential to preserve fairness and maintain the integrity of judicial processes.

“At the heart of this educational shift lies the question of ethics. As we integrate automated tools into our daily work, the judge’s role as the guardian of the human element becomes even more significant. Education must strengthen our ability to identify bias within systems driven by Artificial Intelligence and to safeguard the integrity of the adjudicatory process against any unintended distortion.”

The CJI underlined that technology should assist, not replace, judicial decision-making. He stated that constitutional values must remain central, even as courts adopt advanced tools to improve efficiency.

The declaration of Sikkim as a paperless judiciary also addresses challenges of accessibility. In the past, litigants in the state faced difficulties due to its terrain. Digital systems now allow filings and hearings without the need for physical travel, improving access to justice.

Justice Surya Kant also referred to broader digital initiatives such as the e-Courts project and the National Judicial Data Grid, which have enhanced transparency and efficiency. Litigants can now track cases, access orders, and participate in proceedings through virtual platforms.

However, he noted that digitisation remains an ongoing process. He stressed the need for standardisation of case information systems across High Courts and called for strengthening e-Seva Kendras to ensure that technological access reaches all sections of society.

On the role of Artificial Intelligence, the CJI pointed out its potential use in trial courts. He suggested that AI tools can assist in preliminary tasks such as verifying assets in recovery suits and identifying patterns in judicial decisions to promote consistency.

Overall, the move towards a paperless judiciary reflects a broader effort to modernise the Indian legal system while ensuring fairness, transparency, and wider access to justice.