Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant has outlined a clear vision for the future of India's judiciary. He said that modern courts must combine world-class infrastructure with accessible justice. The two are not competing priorities but work together to create an effective justice system.
According to The Tribune, the CJI made these remarks ahead of the inauguration of the Tower of Justice in Gurugram. He said that as the judiciary expands its physical and digital footprint, infrastructure and technology must work with constitutional values to make justice more accessible, efficient and humane.
What the CJI said about court buildings and justice
Justice Surya Kant made a clear point about the purpose of court infrastructure. He said a court building only has real meaning when it helps reduce the distance between the citizen and justice. Infrastructure is essential because it creates the conditions for efficient functioning, better case management and dignified access to the legal system.
As reported by The Hindu, the CJI emphasized that judicial infrastructure is not optional but essential. He stressed that modern courts must serve the common citizen and not just be impressive buildings.
"A court building has meaning when it helps reduce the distance between the citizen and justice. Infrastructure is essential because it creates the conditions for efficient functioning, better case management and dignified access." — CJI Justice Surya Kant via The Tribune
Technology and constitutional values must work together
The CJI's vision goes beyond just building new court complexes. He said that technology, world-class infrastructure and constitutional values must all come together. This combination is what will make the justice system truly effective for every citizen.
In his interaction ahead of the Tower of Justice inauguration, Justice Surya Kant made it clear that modernizing courts is not just about having better buildings. It is about ensuring that every person, regardless of their background, can access justice with dignity and without unnecessary delays.
Our Take: A practical vision for judicial reform
In our view, the CJI's message is both practical and necessary. For too long, discussions about court infrastructure have been separate from discussions about access to justice. Justice Surya Kant has correctly brought them together. A modern court that is difficult to access or intimidating for ordinary citizens is not truly modern. At the same time, a commitment to accessible justice without proper infrastructure will remain just an idea. The Tower of Justice in Gurugram is a concrete example of this vision. But the real test will be whether this approach spreads to courts across the country. If the judiciary can consistently combine good infrastructure with genuine accessibility, it will serve the common citizen far better than before.
