On August 16, 2024, Justice BR Gavai inaugurated several innovative digital initiatives at the Kerala High Court, marking a significant advancement in the integration of technology within the judiciary. Chief among these initiatives was the launch of the country's first exclusive Digital Court for Negotiable Instruments Act (NI Act) cases, located in Kollam. This specialized court is designed to address and reduce the backlog of cheque dishonour cases under Section 138 of the NI Act. The initiative aims to establish '24*7 ON Courts' (Open and Networked) that facilitate seamless document transfers between litigants, banks, and police stations, thus streamlining the legal process and enhancing case tracking.
In addition to the Digital Court, the Kerala High Court introduced several other digital initiatives. These include an Online Dispute Resolution System, a Model Digital Court Room concept, a Learning Management System for the Judicial Academy, a Digital Library and Research Centre, and the restoration project of the Ram Mohan Palace. The court also announced the rollout of Digital District Courts to further enhance judicial efficiency.
Justice Gavai, in his inaugural address, emphasized the importance of speed and affordability in delivering justice, aligning with the Constitutional mandate for social, economic, and political justice. He highlighted the role of technology in improving access to justice, drawing on his own experiences with virtual hearings and technological innovations during the COVID-19 lockdown. Justice Gavai noted the use of artificial intelligence for translating Supreme Court judgments into vernacular languages, which aids litigants in understanding legal outcomes in their native languages.
Acting Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque underscored the objective of the Digital District Courts to alleviate congestion in trial courts, especially following the enactment of new criminal laws. He also highlighted the Model Digital Court Rooms, which are designed to provide a digital environment conducive to the effective use of technology in court proceedings.
The event was attended by notable figures including Supreme Court Justices Rajesh Bindal and CT Ravikumar, Kerala High Court Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Raja Vijayaraghavan, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Finance Minister KN Balagopal, Law Minister P Rajeeve, and Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup, reflecting the broad support and significance of these advancements in the Indian judicial system.
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