Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant on Friday declared Sikkim as the country’s first paperless judiciary, marking a major milestone in India’s push towards digital justice delivery.
Addressing the inaugural session of the National Conclave on Technology and Judicial Education in Gangtok on Friday, the Chief Justice described the Himalayan state as an ideal venue for such a transformative initiative. Under the towering presence of Mount Kanchenjunga, he observed, ideas too could rise to great heights, with Sikkim’s tranquil environment offering the perfect blend of reflection, tradition and progress.
Highlighting the challenges of access to justice in difficult terrains, Justice Kant noted that reaching courtrooms in remote regions has historically been a test of endurance. However, improved infrastructure and rapid technological integration are now redefining access, with digital networks creating new pathways and directly linking citizens to judicial forums.
He emphasised that the vision of the judiciary is to ensure that justice no longer requires arduous physical travel. “Petitions must move, not people,” he said, underscoring that digital reform is no longer theoretical but a practical necessity for sustaining the rule of law.
Placing the development within the broader national framework, the Chief Justice said technology-driven reforms are dismantling geographical barriers arising from terrain, distance and financial constraints. These initiatives are enabling equitable access to justice across regions ~ from North Sikkim to the Western Ghats and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Congratulating A Muhamed Mustaque, he said the High Court of Sikkim has achieved a historic distinction by becoming the country’s first paperless High Court. He added that the Indian judiciary is steadily transitioning from paper-based systems to a dynamic digital ecosystem, with initiatives like the e-Courts project reshaping the interface between litigants and the legal system.
Justice Kant also highlighted the growing role of judicial data systems in providing real-time insights into institutional performance. Referring to artificial intelligence tools such as SUPACE and SUVAS, he described them as force multipliers that assist in research, translation and case management, thereby reducing routine burdens and allowing judges to focus on complex legal issues.
He stressed that the success of such reforms lies in accessibility. Litigants, even in remote areas, can now track case progress, access orders and engage with legal processes without intermediaries. At the same time, he noted that real-time updates and virtual hearings are enhancing transparency, efficiency and accountability within the judicial system. However, he cautioned that the journey towards full digitisation remains ongoing.
The two-day conclave, organised by the Sikkim Judicial Academy under the aegis of the High Court of Sikkim in association with the Commonwealth Legal Education Association, brought together judges, legal experts and academicians from across India and abroad.
Virtual Courts and transforming judicial training
The first technical session, chaired by Prashant Kumar Mishra, focused on “Virtual Court Management: Challenges and Best Practices.” Discussions examined the shift from physical to hybrid and virtual courts, highlighting key concerns such as case-flow management, procedural fairness, cybersecurity and bridging the digital divide. Participants emphasised that while technology expands judicial reach, the fundamental principle that justice must be seen to be done remains paramount.
Another session, chaired by Ujjal Bhuyan, explored innovative approaches to judicial training. It highlighted a transition from lecture-based pedagogy to interactive and experience-driven learning through simulations, case studies and problem-based methods, alongside the integration of digital tools and blended learning models.
Global legal frameworks and digital challenges in judicial education
The second day focused on the global dimensions of law and emerging digital challenges. A session on “Curriculum Globalisation and Transnational Law” highlighted the growing importance of cross-border legal issues, including cybercrime, environmental law and international commerce. It emphasised the need for harmonised legal education and stronger cooperation among Commonwealth nations.
Another session on “Digital Challenges in Judicial Education” examined disparities in technological infrastructure, the role of artificial intelligence in judicial training and the importance of collaborative digital platforms. Speakers also stressed the need for ethical frameworks governing the use of technology in courts and greater institutional cooperation among judicial academies.
The conclave concluded with a call for sustained innovation, capacity building and international collaboration to strengthen digital judicial systems and modernise legal education, with Sikkim’s paperless judiciary emerging as a model for the rest of the country, an official of information and public relations department, Sikkim government, said.