Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Friday called for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in Indian courtrooms to facilitate ease of justice for litigants.
The PM stated that the use of AI, along with knowledge of customary laws as well as alternate dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, was essential for the legal profession in current times.
In a speech delivered in Hindi, PM Modi said,
"Artificial Intelligence is also being used in legal field. We have to also make courts easier for general public through AI for the ease of justice."
He also spoke on the importance of property rights, saying how ensuring that people are given property cards helps reduce litigation in this area.
Pertinently, PM Modi mentioned the provision in the Union Budget providing for funds for long-detained undertrials who are unable to furnish their bail bonds.
"We have overcrowding of undertrials in our jails, who cannot afford to pay bail or no one is coming for their release. Most of these people are poor and behind bars for petty offences. We have provided for them in this Union Budget. The fund will be transferred to states so such undertrials can be out of jail."
The PM was speaking at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Gauhati High Court. The occasion saw the launch of the Assam Cop mobile application, which will facilitate the search for accused and vehicles from the VAHAN register.
The Supreme Court's Justice Hrishikesh Roy also spoke at the event, and praised the PM for endeavouring to create a more equitable justice system in the country.
"Prime Minister Modi has endeavoured to take India towards being a developed nation, and worked to develop a justice system that caters to all sections of society."
To emphasise on how judges come from diverse parts of the country and thus get acquainted with various cultures, he proceeded to greet Assam Govenor Gulab Chand Kataria and Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Sandeep Mehta in Marwari. The two functionaries hail from Rajasthan. Justice Roy then greeted the PM in Gujarati.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking on the occassion, touched upon the State government's plans to launch a 'judicial complex' so that lawyers would not have to travel to different parts of the city for work. The CM indicated that the plans involve a common site for the High Court and the sessions court.
Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju also spoke on the occasion, and praised CJ Mehta for organising the celebrations smoothly.