CJI Surya Kant Suggests Tech-Driven Reforms For Bhutan Judiciary

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant proposed a set of technology-driven reforms that could transform access to justice in Bhutan, suggesting the creation of “justice kiosks”, simplified digital filing systems and tele-law services to make courts more accessible to ordinary citizens.

Delivering the “Wisdom for the Future – JSW Talk Series” lecture on “Access to Justice in the 21st Century: Technology, Legal Aid and People-Centred Courts” at the Royal University of Bhutan in Thimphu, the CJI said that technological innovation should not merely digitise existing court procedures but should democratise the justice system itself.

“A people-centred court is one where the complexity of the law is simplified by the elegance of technology, ensuring that the majesty of the courtroom is accessible from the palm of one's hand,” he said. The CJI said that "the soaring ridges and deep valleys that define Bhutanese life, are precisely where technology can perform its most transformative work."

"In the 21st century, a 'People-Centred Court' is one where the complexity of the law is simplified by the elegance of technology, ensuring that the majesty of the courtroom is accessible from the palm of one's hand. If we are to be true to our heritage, our technological reforms must not merely digitise the status quo, but democratise the very essence of the judicial process," he said.

Drawing on the experience of judicial digitalisation in India, CJI Surya Kant suggested that Bhutan could adopt a “Justice Kiosk” model.

Under this approach, small digital centres equipped with video conferencing facilities and document scanners could be set up in local administrative centres. These kiosks would enable citizens in remote mountainous regions to participate in court hearings without travelling long distances.

“By bringing the courtroom to the community, we ensure that geography is no longer a tax on the seeker of justice,” he said.

Given Bhutan's rugged terrain and dispersed population, the CJI observed that such kiosks could significantly reduce the burden of travel for litigants.

The CJI also recommended developing simple bilingual digital filing systems in Dzongkha and English. He said that many citizens are deterred from approaching courts because legal procedures appear complex and inaccessible.

Digital forms that guide litigants step-by-step could allow people to initiate small claims or land disputes through a mobile interface similar to a banking application, he suggested.

According to him, such simplification would empower ordinary citizens to approach courts without procedural confusion.

Another major proposal was the expansion of technology-based legal aid services. The CJI proposed linking Bhutan's Regional Legal Aid Centres with a tele-law platform that would allow citizens to obtain legal advice through digital consultations. By connecting paralegals and lawyers with indigent litigants via video or online platforms, early legal guidance could prevent disputes from escalating into prolonged litigation, he said.

Technology As A Force Multiplier

Reflecting on the Indian experience, the CJI described technology as a “force multiplier” for the judiciary.

He explained that Indian courts have introduced several digital reforms such as electronic filing systems, digital cause lists, virtual hearings and online dispute resolution mechanisms

These innovations have expanded access to justice beyond traditional courtroom boundaries.

The CJI noted that virtual hearings conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that judicial proceedings could continue effectively even without physical courtrooms.

At the same time, he cautioned that technology must be implemented carefully to avoid creating a new form of exclusion.

“If a judgment is delivered through a high-speed portal but the citizen cannot understand the language or access the internet, we have merely replaced physical barriers with digital ones,” he observed.

To address this concern, the Indian judiciary developed translation tools such as SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software) that enable judgments to be translated into regional languages.

According to him, technological reform must ensure inclusivity, transparency and trust in judicial systems.

The CJI also emphasised the importance of integrating legal technology into law school curricula.

He suggested that universities and judicial academies should introduce courses on legal informatics, artificial intelligence ethics, data science, computational law and design thinking

Such interdisciplinary training would prepare the next generation of lawyers and judges to navigate the rapidly evolving intersection between law and technology.

CJI Surya Kant also announced that the Supreme Court of India would be willing to host Bhutanese law students for internships and exchange programmes.

He said the Indian judiciary would be happy to facilitate such opportunities and could even assist with boarding and lodging to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent students from participating.

Throughout his address, the CJI repeatedly stressed that the ultimate purpose of technological reform must be to build people-centred courts.

He said technology should help courts move beyond traditional structures and bring justice closer to citizens.

“Justice must travel to the citizen, not the other way around,” he said.

In his introductory remarks, the CJI highlighted the philosophical links between Indian and Bhutanese traditions.

Referring to the Indian concept of Dharma and Bhutan's legal heritage, he noted that both traditions view law not merely as regulation but as a moral responsibility to maintain social balance and fairness.

Concluding his address, the CJI said that technological reform in the judiciary requires collaboration between judges, legislators, lawyers and students.

He stressed that technology should remain a tool for fairness, transparency and human dignity, rather than an end in itself.

“Justice is not a cloistered virtue locked behind the heavy doors of a courtroom. It is a living presence that must walk out into the world and into the homes of the people,” he said.