Courts should not adopt technology merely because there is stick from the top: CJI DY Chandrachud

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud recently stated that courts should not adopt technology only because he had urged them to. .Referring to his recent order mandating that all High Courts and tribunals ensure that hybrid hearings are available for lawyers and litigants, the CJI said,"Courts should not adopt technology begrudgingly – merely because there is a stick from the top from the Supreme Court or this unreasonable Chief Justice aggressively pushing for it. Our move towards a technology-friendly legal system must be complemented by a change in the mindset of every judge, member of the bar, registry official and administrative staff. In our revolution to make courtrooms across the country accessible to lawyers and litigants, we must not leave anyone behind," he said..CJI Chandrachud was speaking at the inaugural function of the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Rajasthan High Court on October 14. .During his speech, he noted that the Rajasthan High Court boasts of the unique facility of video conferencing between its two benches at Jodhpur and Jaipur. "Counsel from any location can argue before the bench at the other location. Cases can also be argued before a division bench of judges sitting at two different locations. A classic example of the limitless potential of technology, indeed!".He also highlighted the normalisation of struggles undertaken by women lawyers."Successful female lawyers and judges have often narrated their experiences of heroically juggling childcare, societal and familial responsibilities, while also dealing with this ruthless profession. A renowned female advocate compared her experience to Jhansi Ki Rani entering the battlefield with her infant son strapped to her back. The hard work and grit of our female colleagues is no doubt inspiring, but these stories must also compel us to hold up a mirror and ask ourselves – why has this experience been normalized? Why aren’t institutions bearing the onus to change?" said the CJI. .The CJI also highlighted the need to impart skill training to court staff and ensure that they are trained for modern workforce challenges.While stating that jamadaars at the Supreme Court have been redesignated as ushers, the CJI clarified that their uniforms have also been changed."Why should they wear multi-colour stuff and not what an ordinary citizen wears to office? I ask my liftman what does his children study and he replies, one is a chartered accountant and one is a doctor. My chauffeur tells me he wants his daughter to become a doctor. This is the changing face of India," the CJI remarked.