Jammu, January 31, 2026: Under the patronage of the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Arun Palli, the J&K Judicial Academy hosted a specialized one-day orientation programme focused on “ICT, e-Courts,” and the transformative role of “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Judiciary.”
Inaugurated at the Judicial Academy in Janipur, the session was designed for newly recruited Civil Judges (ECT-17-2025) to bridge the gap between traditional legal practice and modern digital justice delivery. In his keynote address, the Chief Justice emphasized that technology is no longer an optional aid but a vital instrument for justice, particularly for officers serving in remote districts, echoing sentiments from the Chief Justice of India regarding the use of AI for case management and data analysis.
Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Chairperson of the Governing Committee for the J&K Judicial Academy, provided a nuanced perspective on AI in his special address. While acknowledging that AI is increasingly aiding in legal research, analysis, and judgment drafting, Justice Oswal issued a critical caution: AI must serve as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human reasoning. He urged the new judicial officers to apply their own intellect and discernment when utilizing these technologies.
The introductory session, led by Director Naseer Ahmad Dar, set the stage for a curriculum aimed at sensitizing judges to the practical applications of digital tools in their daily judicial functions.The technical sessions provided deep dives into the operational aspects of modern courts, led by experts including Registrar (IT) Umesh Sharma and CPC e-Courts Faizan Nazar.
Topics covered included the Case Information System (CIS), e-Filing rules, Nyay-Shruti, and NSTEP protocols specific to the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh. Additionally, Dr. Karnnika A. Seth, a Supreme Court Advocate, delivered a virtual lecture on the ethical considerations and challenges posed by AI.
The programme concluded with an interactive feedback session, reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to building a tech-proficient judiciary capable of driving efficient economic and legal growth in the region.
