Sikkim declared 1st Paperless Judiciary in India

GANGTOK, (IPR): The Conclave on Technology and Judicial Education Conference was formally inaugurated on May 1 at Chintan Bhawan in the presence of Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India as the chief guest and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang as guest of honour.

Organised by High Court of Sikkim in collaboration with eCommittee Supreme Court of India, the conference shall be held for two days at Chintan Bhawan and Samman Bhawan to deliberate on the evolving role of technology in strengthening judicial systems and enhancing legal education.

On the occasion, Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India officially declared Sikkim as the first paperless State judiciary in the country.

In his inaugural address, Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court, Justice Surya Kant, remarked Gangtok as an ideal venue to host such a significant conclave, adding that under the majestic presence of Mt Kanchenjunga, ideas too could rise to great heights. Sikkim’s natural beauty is not merely a backdrop but a catalyst for inspiration, where the tranquil environment allows space for reflection and where tradition and progress coexist harmoniously, enabling a renewed vision of justice, he added.

Reflecting on the longstanding challenges owing to difficult terrain, the Chief Justice of India stated that access to courtrooms in such regions had historically been a test of endurance. This reality is now changing due to improved infrastructure and, more significantly, due to the growing role of technology in redrawing the map of access to justice, he stated.

He highlighted that digital networks were creating new pathways and that the “digital highway” was connecting citizens directly to judicial forums.

The Chief Justice of India emphasised that the aspiration was to build a system where justice no longer required arduous physical travel, and where petitions could move without necessitating the movement of individuals. In this context, he stated that the conclave carried deep symbolic significance, as it reinforced that digital reform was not merely a matter of theory but a practical necessity for sustaining the rule of law.

Speaking on the broader national context, he stated that the integration of technology in the judicial process was aimed at dismantling geographical constraints, whether arising from difficult terrain, financial limitations, or distance. He added that such efforts ensured that access to justice was not confined to urban centres but extended equally to remote regions, including the far-flung areas of North Sikkim, the Western Ghats, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

He further added that the Indian legal landscape had undergone a fundamental transformation and congratulated Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque for this unique initiative, through which the High Court of Sikkim had achieved the distinction of becoming the country’s first paperless High Court.

He stated that the judiciary was steadily moving away from the era of paper-based systems towards a vibrant digital ecosystem, where initiatives such as the e-Courts project had redefined the relationship between litigants and the law. He highlighted the role of judicial data systems in offering real-time insights into institutional performance and described them as central to monitoring the health of the justice delivery system.

He also referred to the growing use of artificial intelligence tools such as SUPACE and SUVAS, adding that these innovations were acting as force multipliers by assisting in research, translation, and case management, thereby reducing the burden of routine tasks on judges. He stated that such technological advancements allowed judges to focus more deeply on the complexities of law, thereby enhancing the quality of judicial work. He added that the true measure of these reforms lay in their accessibility, as they enabled litigants, even in the most remote parts of the country, to track case progress, access orders, and engage with legal processes without intermediaries.

Highlighting the importance of transparency, he remarked that real-time updates and virtual hearings were transforming courtroom dynamics and contributing to greater efficiency and accountability. However, he cautioned that despite significant progress, the journey towards full digitisation remained ongoing and required sustained effort.

Outlining future priorities, he stressed the need for stronger standardisation across judicial systems, particularly through the implementation of the National Court Case Information System (NCCIS). He stated that recent developments indicated a positive shift in the adoption of such systems by High Courts and emphasised that a balance between uniform national standards and local flexibility was essential.

He also highlighted the importance of expanding e-Seva Kendras, describing them as crucial links between the complexity of the legal system and the immediate needs of citizens, especially in a country with varying levels of digital literacy. He added that the existing network of kendras already reflected a strong national infrastructure and called for further strengthening of their technical capacity to ensure inclusivity.

Speaking on the role of artificial intelligence, he highlighted its potential application at the trial court level, particularly in areas such as preliminary verification, case management, and identification of patterns in judicial decisions. He observed that such tools could help reduce delays, minimise frivolous litigation, and promote consistency in areas such as sentencing and bail practices.

The Chief Justice of India further said that while consistency was essential for predictability and efficiency, it must be achieved without compromising judicial independence. He stated that technological tools could assist courts in identifying disparities and moving towards more coherent decision-making processes.

Stressing that the adoption of technology must be accompanied by a corresponding shift in legal education, the Chief Justice of India said that modern judicial training must go beyond basic digital literacy and include a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence systems and their interaction with foundational legal principles such as natural justice. He emphasised the importance of ethics in this transition, adding that judges must remain vigilant in identifying potential biases in algorithmic systems and ensure that technology is strengthened, rather than undermined with regards to the core values of justice. He added that judicial education must equip future jurists with the ability to critically engage with technological tools while maintaining control over their application.

Concluding his address, he congratulated the Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim, along with all stakeholders including the State government led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for achieving the milestone of a paperless High Court and for placing Sikkim on the national map of judicial innovation.

He expressed hope that the conclave would provide a roadmap that was both progressive and compassionate, and commended all participants for contributing to a mission aimed at ensuring that justice remained accessible, transparent, and future-ready.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attended the programme as the guest of honour and delivered the executive address, reaffirming the State government’s commitment to supporting judicial reforms and digital governance initiatives.

In his address he extended warm greetings to all dignitaries on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima and International Labour Day, highlighting the values of compassion, harmony, and dignity of labour.

Welcoming the distinguished gathering, including the Chief Justice of India and judges of the Supreme Court of India and High Court of Sikkim, as well as international delegates, he described the hosting of the conclave in Sikkim during the Golden Jubilee year of Statehood as a matter of pride and honour for the State.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the judiciary plays a vital role in safeguarding the rights and dignity of citizens, particularly the working class, and noted that the integration of technology into the justice delivery system is both timely and essential in the digital era.

Highlighting the State government’s commitment to good governance and innovation, he stated that Sikkim is actively supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening judicial infrastructure, expanding access to courts in remote areas, and promoting legal awareness through institutional mechanisms.

He further underscored the importance of ensuring that technological progress remains inclusive, cautioning that no citizen should be left behind due to lack of access or digital literacy.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the deliberations of the conclave would contribute significantly towards building a modern, responsive, and citizen centric judicial system. Describing the declaration of Sikkim as a paperless judiciary as a historic milestone, he congratulated the judiciary for this achievement and noted that it would set an example for the rest of the country. He also highlighted the importance of global collaboration, stating that the presence of international delegates would enrich discussions and strengthen shared learning.

Concluding his address, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to all dignitaries for their presence and wished the conclave success, expressing hope that it would pave the way for meaningful reforms and advancements in the justice delivery system.

Earlier the session commenced with opening remarks by Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan, Judge of the High Court of Sikkim and Chairman of the Computer Committee and Sikkim Judicial Academy, who underscored the growing importance of technology in strengthening the justice delivery system. He stated that while digital initiatives such as the e-Courts Mission Mode Project and virtual court systems have significantly improved efficiency and access, the integration of artificial intelligence must be approached with caution and guided by constitutional principles. Emphasising that the judiciary must retain its human conscience, he called for ethical regulation of emerging technologies.

He further highlighted the need to modernise judicial education, enhance digital competency among judges, and ensure that technological advancements remain inclusive, particularly for those affected by the digital divide. He further expressed hope that the deliberations would contribute towards a comprehensive roadmap for a more accessible, efficient, and humane judicial system.

Basava Prabhu S Patil, Advocate General of Sikkim, delivered the address, highlighting the evolving role of technology in legal practice and governance. He stated that the initiative marks a shift from traditional file based systems to a more efficient, transparent, and citizen centric judicial process. He emphasised that technology must serve to reduce delays and procedural barriers without compromising judicial integrity, noting that artificial intelligence and digital tools should assist but not replace human judgement.

Highlighting Sikkim’s unique geographical challenges, he underlined that digital systems can significantly improve access to justice for remote regions.

The Advocate General also stressed the importance of simplicity, training, and trust in ensuring the success of a paperless judiciary, and called for continuous judicial education and robust digital infrastructure. He expressed confidence that Sikkim’s initiative would contribute to the broader national movement towards judicial modernisation, making courts more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of citizens.

The Presidential Address delivered by Justice A Muhamed Mustaque, Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim, described the declaration of a paperless judiciary as a historic milestone for both Sikkim and the Indian judicial system. He observed that despite over two decades of efforts in building IT infrastructure, the judiciary continues to face challenges in achieving true digitalisation, stressing that the focus must now shift from mere digitisation to practical, ground level transformation. Emphasising the need for a results oriented approach, he noted that technology should not be pursued as a matter of form, but for its tangible impact on the lives of citizens and litigants. He underscored that the success of such reforms lies in addressing heavy workloads, particularly in trial courts, and ensuring that technology enhances access to justice. He also spoke on the importance of judicial education, collaborative learning, and the adoption of innovative digital tools, while acknowledging the challenges posed by evolving legal and technological landscapes.

Expressing gratitude to the Chief Justice of India, Judges of the Supreme Court of India, and other dignitaries for their presence, he appreciated the support extended by the State government towards advancing judicial reforms in Sikkim.

In his felicitation address, R Venkataramani, Attorney General of India, called for a fundamental rethinking of access to justice in the digital age, emphasising that it must move beyond physical access to ensure meaningful and substantive justice through modern tools and institutional reform. He highlighted the growing interlinkage between judicial processes and policy transformation, noting that most contemporary disputes have wider institutional and societal implications.

The Attorney General underscored that technology should function as both a collaborator and an enabler in this transformation, while cautioning against uncritical dependence. He further called for reimagining court management as a comprehensive justice delivery system aimed at enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and public confidence. He expressed optimism that the conclave would serve as a catalyst for innovative thinking and institutional reform, positioning India as a leader in technology driven judicial transformation.

Justice Rony James Govinden, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Seychelles, in his special address, highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of judicial functioning in the digital era. He observed that while the rapid shift to virtual courts during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the potential of technology to expand access to justice, it also exposed critical gaps, particularly the digital divide, cybersecurity risks, and issues relating to procedural integrity. He emphasised that unequal access to digital infrastructure and literacy poses a serious challenge to fairness in justice delivery, especially for marginalised communities.

Stressing the need for robust safeguards, he called for stronger data protection measures, secure digital platforms, and clear procedural guidelines to maintain the integrity and dignity of court proceedings. He also underscored the importance of continuous training for judges, court staff, and lawyers to effectively navigate digital systems and evolving technologies.

Highlighting the value of international collaboration, he advocated for strengthened cooperation across Commonwealth jurisdictions in judicial education, including shared resources, modular training systems, and peer learning platforms. He concluded by stating that while technology can enhance efficiency and accessibility, the core principles of justice, fairness, inclusivity, and public confidence must remain paramount in all digital transformations.

The keynote address was delivered by Justice JK Maheshwari, Judge of the Supreme Court of India. He emphasised that the integration of technology in the judiciary must focus on enhancing access to justice while preserving its human essence.

Recalling his association with Sikkim, he described the State as a fitting venue for deliberations on the future of justice, noting its balance of simplicity and efficiency.

He observed that technological transformation in courts must go beyond digitisation of existing processes and instead aim at reengineering systems to improve efficiency, transparency, and user experience.

He highlighted that while tools such as e-filing, artificial intelligence, and digital case management hold immense potential in addressing delays and improving access, they must be implemented thoughtfully. He cautioned that technology should assist judicial functions but cannot replace human judgement, which remains central to justice delivery. He also stressed the importance of continuous judicial education, collaborative learning, and adapting to evolving digital systems, noting that judges today must be equipped not only with legal knowledge but also with technological understanding.

Addressing concerns such as the digital divide, virtual court functioning, and globalisation of legal systems, he called for a balanced approach that ensures inclusivity and fairness while embracing innovation. He concluded by stating that initiatives such as the declaration of a paperless judiciary in Sikkim mark an important step in removing procedural barriers and making justice more accessible, while reaffirming that the ultimate goal of technology must be to serve the people and strengthen public confidence in the judicial system.

The session concluded with remarks by Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, Judge of the High Court of Sikkim, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and participants for their contributions to the successful commencement of the conclave. She observed that the conclave would go beyond discussions on administrative convenience and address deeper questions on how the justice delivery system can uphold constitutional values while adapting to rapid technological change.

Emphasising that access to justice in a diverse country like India remains a significant challenge, she noted that technology offers practical tools to bridge gaps caused by geography, infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities.

She highlighted that systems enabling e-filing, digital access, and improved case management can enhance inclusivity and efficiency, but cautioned that innovation must be guided by judicial wisdom. She stressed that while technology can aid processes, it cannot replace human judgement, conscience, and the core principles of fairness, due process, and independence.

Underscoring the importance of institutional collaboration, she stated that meaningful reform requires coordinated efforts among the judiciary, government, legal fraternity, and technical experts. She further noted that the success of the conclave would ultimately be measured by tangible improvements in accessibility, transparency, and timeliness of justice for ordinary citizens.

She concluded by thanking the Chief Justice of India, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, and all dignitaries for their support, expressing hope that the deliberations would lead to meaningful outcomes in strengthening the justice delivery system.

Earlier a short video highlighting the journey towards establishing India’s First paperless High Court in Sikkim was shown.

It may be noted that Sign Language interpretation was provided during the programme by Akhilesh Chauhan, Master Trainer (Deaf) and Vishal Biswakarma ensuring accessibility and inclusive participation. They were assisted by first year DISLI trainees from CRC-Sikkim Ruby and Yojna.

The programme was held in the presence of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India, Judges of the various High Courts of India, District Judges, Chief Administrator cum Cabinet Secretary of Sikkim VB Pathak, Chief Secretary of Sikkim R Telang, Director General of Police of Sikkim Akshay Sachdeva, LR cum Secretary Law & Parliamentary Affairs department Suraj Chettri and presidents of various bar associations of the State, along with members of the judiciary, legal fraternity, and other stakeholders along with representatives from Commonwealth Legal Education Association.