Justice Aniruddha Bose, Director of the National Judicial Academy (NJA), has raised concerns about the unchecked use of technology in the justice system, warning that it could lead to what he called a “digital apartheid.” Speaking at the East Zone-II Regional Conference on Advancing Rule of Law through Technology in Shillong, Justice Bose emphasized that while technology has transformed the judiciary, its misuse could create inequalities in access to justice.
The conference, organized by the NJA in collaboration with the High Court of Meghalaya and the Meghalaya State Judicial Academy, brought together Chief Justices and judges from several High Courts in eastern and northeastern India. Justice Bose highlighted India’s success in making technology accessible across social groups but cautioned that artificial intelligence (AI) and manipulated digital evidence pose serious challenges.
“Advancement of the rule of law must keep pace with technological progress to prevent the emergence of a digital apartheid,” Justice Bose said. He stressed that AI and other advanced tools should be used cautiously and responsibly to support justice, not undermine it. He further noted that verifying digital evidence has become increasingly important in a world where fake or manipulated content is widespread. 
Justice Bose praised the Indian judiciary’s journey from typewriters to computers, the adoption of electronic evidence, and live-streaming of court proceedings. He said these technological advancements have made courts more efficient and accessible, but they also require careful handling to avoid risks to fairness and privacy.
In his address, Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya, Justice Soumen Sen, also underscored the benefits of technology in courts. He said integrating digital tools enhances transparency, efficiency, and public trust, but it also brings challenges such as privacy issues, ethical use of AI, and affordability gaps that must be addressed.
