CJI Surya Kant inaugurates Jharkhand High Court’s data centre, stresses need to protect judicial records

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Monday inaugurated the Jharkhand High Court’s data centre.

Speaking at the event, he stressed the need to protect sensitive judicial records against unauthorised access, loss and disruption.

“Judicial records contain sensitive information and must be protected against unauthorised access, loss and disruption. Cybersecurity, reliable backup arrangements, regular testing and trained technical personnel are essential to maintaining public confidence in digital systems,” he stated.

The data centre project represents an investment of approximately ₹25 crore. Its value, the CJI noted, would be measured by improvements in court functioning and the experience of litigants, rather than the equipment installed.

The event also marked the launch of the High Court’s new website, an online certified copy application for civil courts across Jharkhand, a personalised cause list and Dragon speech-to-text software.

Highlighting their practical benefits, the CJI explained that the online certified copy facility would reduce unnecessary travel and expense for litigants, while the personalised cause list would help advocates locate cases and prepare for hearings.

He also stressed the need to carefully verify documents prepared using speech-to-text tools, particularly legal terminology, names and citations.

“Speed cannot come at the cost of accuracy, and responsibility for the final text must remain with the concerned human user,” he cautioned.

Turning to artificial intelligence, the CJI underlined that technology could support research, documentation and information management but could not replace judicial judgment.

He also emphasised that people who lack digital literacy, reliable internet access or the ability to navigate online systems must not be left behind.

“Digital services must widen access to justice, not create new barriers to it,” the CJI said.