Delhi Courts Introduce Pilot Hybrid Court With AI Speech-To-Text Facility

Delhi Courts Introduce Pilot Hybrid Court With AI Speech-To-Text Facility

Delhi Courts marked a significant advancement with the launch of their first 'Pilot Hybrid Court,' featuring an AI-powered 'Speech to Text Facility.' This new technology will enable judges to record and transcribe evidence by converting spoken words into text, enhancing efficiency and saving time.

Acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Justice Manmohan, inaugurated the hybrid courtroom at Tis Hazari Court. The event also saw the launch of a digital court app designed for judicial officers to access e-filed cases.

Justice Manmohan emphasized, "Technology must be utilized to enhance the legal system and reduce delays in justice delivery." He described the speech-to-text facility as a "very powerful tool" and a potential "game-changer" in legal proceedings.

The AI-driven system includes advanced technologies like 'Automatic Speech Recognition' and 'Large Language Models,' which will assist in the accurate and efficient transcription of evidence. The newly introduced Digital Court Application allows judicial officers to manage documents digitally, supporting the transition towards paperless courts

Justice Manmohan noted the dual benefits of the new system: "It will save time, and on the other hand, it will enhance the working capacity of judges and court staff, particularly stenographers." He acknowledged the ongoing efforts to address challenges related to staff shortages and financial constraints, with plans to develop hybrid court facilities in all 691 district courtrooms in Delhi.

Justice Manmohan also highlighted the need for technology to combat its misuse: "Today, when I sit in court and decide matters, one of the things that strikes me is that technology is being used to circumvent the laws, to break the laws, to promote infringement. The only way we can deal with violations and bring people in conformity with the law is again to use technology in the right way."

The launch event was attended by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, Justice Shakdhar, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, Justice Sanjeev Narula, Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, Justice Girish Kathpaliya, Principal District and Sessions Judge (Headquarters) Sanjay Garf, and Principal District and Sessions Judge (West) Vinod Kumar. Senior Advocate Mohit Mathur, President of the Delhi High Court Bar Association, and Nitin Ahlawat, President of the Delhi Bar Association, were also present.