Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Monday inaugurated the Jharkhand High Court's new data centre and stressed the need to safeguard sensitive judicial records against cyber threats, unauthorised access and data loss.

Addressing the gathering, the CJI said that cybersecurity, reliable backup systems, regular testing and trained technical personnel were essential to maintaining public confidence in digital judicial infrastructure.

"Judicial records contain sensitive information and must be protected against unauthorised access, loss and disruption. Cybersecurity, reliable backup arrangements, regular testing and trained technical personnel are essential to maintaining public confidence in digital systems," he said.

The data centre project involves an investment of approximately ₹25 crore. The CJI observed that its success should be measured by improvements in court functioning and the experience of litigants rather than the infrastructure or equipment installed.

The event also witnessed the launch of the Jharkhand High Court's new website, an online certified copy application facility for civil courts across the State, a personalised cause list and Dragon speech-to-text software.

Highlighting the benefits of these initiatives, the CJI said the online certified copy facility would save litigants unnecessary travel and expenses, while the personalised cause list would help advocates identify their cases and prepare for hearings more efficiently.

He also cautioned against relying blindly on documents generated through speech-to-text software and stressed the need for human verification, particularly of legal terminology, names and citations.

"Speed cannot come at the cost of accuracy, and responsibility for the final text must remain with the concerned human user," he said.

Speaking about the role of artificial intelligence in the judiciary, the CJI observed that technology could assist with legal research, documentation and information management but could not replace judicial reasoning and decision-making.

He further emphasised that digitalisation must not exclude people who lack digital literacy, reliable internet access or the ability to navigate online systems.

"Digital services must widen access to justice, not create new barriers to it," the CJI said.