With rapid advancements in technology, the legal landscape in Odisha is set for a transformation. Former Chief Justice of India, Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, emphasized that all 30 districts in the state could soon have High Court benches operating simultaneously. Speaking at Odisha Television Limited’s (OTV) annual convention, ‘Foresight 2025–Changing Times Changing Minds’ in Bhubaneswar, he addressed the long-standing demand for additional High Court benches in the state.
Chandrachud pointed out that technology now makes it possible to decentralize the judicial system. Instead of requiring litigants to travel to Cuttack to file cases, they could do so from anywhere in Odisha. “With digital case files and e-seva kendras, citizens no longer need access to personal devices like smartphones or laptops. They can visit these centers, which are attached to every court, to file cases electronically,” he explained.
He proposed a groundbreaking idea: setting up dedicated rooms in district courts where lawyers can present cases to the High Court via video conferencing. This virtual system would not only make justice more accessible but also provide young lawyers in remote areas the opportunity to argue High Court cases without relocating. “This initiative will enhance convenience for litigants, create livelihood opportunities for lawyers, and lead to significant social change in the legal profession,” he added.
Gender Equality in the Judiciary
While acknowledging the low representation of women in both the Orissa High Court and the Supreme Court, Chandrachud highlighted a positive shift in legal education. “Today, 50% of fresh admissions in law colleges across the country are women. This signals a promising future for gender balance in the judiciary,” he remarked.
Live Streaming of Court Cases: A Game Changer
The practice of live-streaming court cases, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly improved public access to legal proceedings. Chandrachud stressed that courts exist not for judges or lawyers but for citizens. “When a litigant listens to their case proceedings in real-time, whether it’s about pensions or service-related issues, it instills trust in the judiciary. Live streaming enhances accountability—both for judges and lawyers—by making their conduct more transparent,” he said.
Making Legal Judgements Accessible in Regional Languages
A major challenge in the legal system has been the language barrier. Since Independence, approximately 37,000 Supreme Court judgments have been issued in English, making them inaccessible to many citizens. To bridge this gap, Chandrachud initiated a project to translate these judgments into all Indian languages recognized by the Constitution using AI-powered software. “We have completed Hindi translations, over 22,000 in Punjabi, and are now working on Odia and other regional languages,” he shared.
Recalling a notable moment, he mentioned that President Droupadi Murmu had urged him to include translations in Santhali, a tribal language. “Following her request, we have now started translating judgments into Santhali as well,” he concluded.
These technological advancements and policy changes mark a significant step toward making justice more accessible, inclusive, and efficient for all citizens of Odisha and beyond.
