CJI Khanna dismissed the perception of judges as wielders of unchecked authority, instead describing them as facilitators of justice and enablers of a rights-driven society. He emphasized that judicial decisions and their processes should remain comprehensible and inclusive. This vision of courts as democratic spaces is grounded in the belief that transparency fosters credibility, an imperative in combating misinformation.
A critical point raised by the CJI involved the judiciary's use of digital platforms to improve efficiency and accessibility. He noted that the Indian Supreme Court has transitioned significantly towards becoming paperless, leveraging digital tools like optical character recognition (OCR) to streamline case handling. Furthermore, hybrid court hearings, a practice accelerated during the pandemic, continue to be an integral feature. These changes have significantly expanded access to justice, particularly benefiting individuals with disabilities or those residing in remote areas.
CJI Khanna addressed ongoing challenges such as the digital divide, which disproportionately affects litigants in low-connectivity regions. He urged for sustained efforts to address these disparities and ensure equal representation for all parties in legal proceedings. Moreover, he highlighted the need to safeguard against biases and ethical dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence in legal decision-making.
Speaking on judicial efficiency, the CJI stressed the importance of a comprehensive process that extends beyond merely delivering judgments. Efficiency, according to him, lies in fostering a judicial framework that guarantees fair hearings and timely resolutions, which are key tenets of a robust democracy.