Amid Language Row, Justice Kant Advocates Use Of Local Dialects To Bridge Gaps In Justice System

Last Updated:August 02, 2025, 15:00 IST

Justice Surya Kant noted that empathy and connection are crucial to effective justice delivery

Justice Surya Kant | File Image

Amid the ongoing debate over language and inclusivity in India’s legal system, Justice Surya Kant, the next in line to become the Chief Justice of India (CJI), stressed the importance of understanding local dialects to truly grasp the realities of human suffering and improve access to justice.

In an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18, Justice Kant said, “Until we understand someone’s local dialect, we will not be able to understand deeply the human suffering."

He noted that empathy and connection are crucial to effective justice delivery. “You need to bridge the gap, and that feeling would only come when you’re able to understand and talk in their language and touch their hearts," he stated.

Justice Kant highlighted the transformative role of technology in making justice more accessible, calling it a “game changer."

He noted, “We’re laying a lot of emphasis on technology in the filing of cases, recording of evidence and permitting parties in remote areas to join court proceedings."

He added that the judiciary must work to ensure people feel closer to the system and confident in their ability to access it.

“People should feel they are close to the system, have access to the system," he said, underlining the importance of an inclusive and affordable justice mechanism.

On the role of artificial intelligence, Justice Kant pointed out its potential in overcoming regional and linguistic barriers.

He underscored that AI tools can be instrumental in interpreting local dialects, thereby bridging the communication gap and improving understanding in diverse regions.

“And the most important thing is that in our society, where inclusivity is a challenge, we provide cost-effective mechanisms for them," he concluded.

Location :

Delhi, India, India

First Published:

August 02, 2025, 14:59 IST

News india Amid Language Row, Justice Kant Advocates Use Of Local Dialects To Bridge Gaps In Justice System

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