Sikkim’s declaration as India's first paperless judiciary was made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a conclave in Gangtok. The transformation aims to enhance access to justice for all, overcoming hurdles posed by geography and financial constraints.
“In the past, distance for a litigant was not measured in kilometres but in days of travel,” noted CJI Kant, reflecting on how technology now connects citizens directly to judicial forums.
This shift enables processes like e-filing, online hearings, and real-time case tracking, while ensuring that crucial legal information is accessible without delay. Kant stated, “The architecture of justice has become more open,” highlighting the increase in transparency and reduction of inefficiencies within the system.
The transition to a paperless judiciary also aligns with ongoing initiatives like the e-Courts project, which aims to modernize the Indian judicial system. CJI Kant remarked, “The e-Courts project has rewritten the relationship between the litigant and the law.”
He cautioned, however, that amidst this digital transformation, judicial education must evolve alongside technological advancements to ensure judges can effectively integrate new tools without undermining fairness. “We are preparing a generation of jurists who see technology as an aid to their commitment to fairness,” Kant added.
As Sikkim marks 50 years of statehood, the CJI's declaration embodies a significant shift towards embracing technology in the justice system, paving the way for other states to follow suit.
Sikkim has become the first state in India to establish a paperless judiciary, following an announcement by Chief Justice of India Surya Kanth, who emphasized the importance of technology in bridging judicial access barriers, enabling efficient legal processes, and reshaping the relationship between litigants and the law.
