K K Luthra Moot Court Competition: Supreme Court judge cautions against excessive reliance of technology

Supreme Court judge, Justice Rajesh Bindal cautioned against excessive reliance on technology, saying it has led to reduced attention spans among law students and a tendency to depend blindly on readily available information without critical analysis.

He stressed that technology should serve as a tool, not a substitute for independent thinking and thorough reading. In this context, he underlined the crucial role of teachers in providing proper guidance and fostering analytical skills.

Speaking on inauguration 22nd K K Luthra Memorial moot court competition held at Delhi University's Campus Law Centre, he highlighted the rapid evolution of technology, particularly in recent years with the advent of artificial intelligence, which has taken technological development in an entirely new direction.

He pointed out that in comparison to other countries Indian courts have adapted to technological advancements more effectively.

Justice Bindal explained that Indian courts now routinely use live streaming, virtual courts, digital courts, e-library and e-filing systems, making the justice delivery system more accessible and convenient for both litigators and citizens.

He remarked that through virtual courts, the judiciary has effectively reached the doorstep of the public, and e-courts have become the functional office of every lawyer. He also noted that digital research platforms such as e-SCR have become comprehensive repositories of Supreme Court and High Court judgments.

He said, the rapid evolution of technology, particularly in recent years with the advent of artificial intelligence, which has taken technological development in an entirely new direction. He pointed out that in comparison to other countries Indian courts have adapted to technological advancements more effectively.

He addressed a growing concern faced by judges in day-to-day proceedings, particularly regarding the right to be forgotten.

He noted that parties involved in litigation, especially in sensitive matters, often face difficulties due to their names remaining permanently associated with court records. To address this issue, he stated that courts are increasingly adopting measures to mask the identities of parties in matrimonial disputes and cases under the POCSO Act.

While concluding his speech, Justice Rajesh Bindal encouraged students to pursue litigation more than relying over the corporate jobs.

According to Dr Gunjan Gupta Professor-In-Charge, Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, this year, the moot court competition, organised since 2005 in memory of senior advocate K K Luthra received participation from 138 institutions from India and abroad and only 72 teams were shortlisted.

The 72 teams shortlisted for the competition are from various institutions, including NLSIU, Bangalore and Symbiosis Law School, ILS Law College, Pune and National Law Institute University, Bhopal.

The Competition also saw participation from international teams including, Northumbria University (United Kingdom), University of Mauritius (Mauritius), University of Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe), Tashkent State University of Law (Uzbekistan), Prithvi Narayan Campus (Tribhuvan University), Tulsipur Metro College, National Law College, Nepal Law Campus (Nepal), Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT), Independent University (Bangladesh), General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (Sri Lanka) and University of Lagos (Nigeria).

This year’s moot problem invited teams to explore the criminal liability arising from interference with life supporting medical technology, and the evolving legal question surrounding AI-enabled medical devices and emergency decision-making.

Advocate Samarth Krishan Luthra extended the vote of thanks. Senior advocates Geeta Luthra and Sidharth Luthra were also present on the occasion.