Jammu, Jan 31 :
The Jammu and Kashmir Judicial Academy on Friday organised a one-day orientation programme on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), e-Courts and Artificial Intelligence at its Janipur campus in Jammu.
Justice Arun Palli, The Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Judicial Academy), guidance of Chairperson and Members of Governing Committee for J&K Judicial Academy, Jammu & Kashmir Judicial Academy today organised a One Day Orientation Programme on “ICT & e-Courts Induction Programme for the newly recruited Civil Judges (ECT-17-2025)” and “Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Judiciary” at J&K Judicial Academy, Janipur, Jammu.
The programme was inaugurated by Mr. Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Patron-in-Chief, J&K Judicial Academy, who, in his inaugural address, observed that the judiciary is entering a decisive phase where technology and justice delivery are inseparably linked.
Referring to recent observations of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, he noted that Artificial Intelligence and digital platforms will increasingly be used for monitoring case pendency, data analysis and case management. His Lordship emphasised that for officers serving in remote and challenging districts, technology is not merely an aid but a vital instrument to ensure timely and effective justice. Stressing that such programmes are meant to build not only technical proficiency but also institutional understanding, the Chief Justice called upon the officers to adopt technology with confidence and purpose to strengthen the justice delivery system.
In his special address, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Judge, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Chairperson, Governing Committee for J&K Judicial Academy, observed that Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being used in the process of adjudication, including as an aid in the drafting of judgments. His Lordship remarked that while AI has significant merits and can substantially assist judicial officers in research, analysis and efficiency, it also carries inherent limitations and demerits. Emphasising the need for judicious application, Justice Oswal cautioned that AI should be used profusely as a supportive tool, but never as a substitute for human reasoning, and underscored that judicial officers must use AI with their own intellect and discernment, without relying solely upon it.
The programme commenced with an introductory address by Mr. Naseer Ahmad Dar, Director, J&K Judicial Academy, who welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the objective of the programme, which was to sensitise the newly recruited Civil Judges to the practical aspects of ICT tools, e-Courts applications, and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence. Mr. M.K. Sharma, Registrar General, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, and Mr. Rajeev Gupta, Registrar Vigilance, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, along with other officers of the Registry, also attended the inaugural session.
During Technical Session-I, Mr. Umesh Sharma, Registrar (IT), High Court of J&K and Ladakh, provided an overview of the e-Courts Project, introduced the Case Information System (CIS), and conducted a practical demonstration of key CIS features relevant to day-to-day judicial functioning.
Technical Session-II was conducted by Mr. Faizan I Nazar, CPC, e-Courts, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, who deliberated on the rules governing ICT, including e-Filing Rules, Nyay-Shruti Rules, NSTEP, and the rules relating to preparation and supply of copies, including e-True Copies of records in the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh.
In Technical Session-III, Dr. Karnnika A. Seth, Advocate, Supreme Court of India, delivered an insightful lecture through virtual mode on “Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Judiciary”, discussing the opportunities, challenges and ethical considerations associated with the use of AI in judicial processes.
The programme concluded with an interactive session and feedback from the participants, followed by a vote of thanks proposed by the Director, J&K Judicial Academy. The orientation programme witnessed active participation and engagement from newly recruited Civil Judges, reaffirming the Academy’s commitment to continuous judicial education and capacity building. (KNC)