Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Supreme Court Justice Satish Chandra Sharma on Saturday raised serious concerns over the growing misuse of digital platforms, especially in the context of judicial system.
“Technology is undoubtedly helpful, but it can also be dangerous,” he said while addressing 'Nyayvani 2025' workshop on ‘Use of Technology and Forensic Science in the Justice System’. The event was jointly organised by Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad, Madhya Pradesh High Court, and Indore District Court Unit at Ravindra Natya Grah.
Justice Sharma pointed out that even judges today have YouTube channels and warned of risks that come with such public exposure. “Every word spoken can be recorded and uploaded. I advise all judges who use such platforms to be extremely cautious about their statements,” he said. He also said that he does not run any official digital channel.
“Advocates and judges must both be mindful of their language—because in today’s digital age, everything said in the courtroom is being recorded,” he cautioned.
Fellow Supreme Court judge Justice Jitendra Kumar Maheshwari echoed these concerns while sharing a personal experience. “Technology has not always been kind to me,” he said. “Once, during an incident involving a judge named Jitendra Mishra at Delhi High Court, a video was uploaded online—but it mistakenly featured my photo instead. Thankfully, it was taken down the next morning.”
Justice Maheshwari acknowledged the immense role technology plays in the justice system—be it through CCTV surveillance, video analytics, cyber forensics, GPS tracking, drone surveillance, or social media monitoring.
He also recalled early days of COVID-19 pandemic. “The true value of technology became evident in 2020. I remember conducting hearings on Zoom. Since then, Supreme Court’s e-committee has developed software to enable hybrid court proceedings,” he said.
However, he also issued a stark reminder: “In today’s world, if you’re carrying a mobile phone, you’re already on the radar. Interestingly, those involved in organised crime avoid using phones altogether.”
The workshop saw a turnout of over 1,000 legal professionals. Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court Sanjeev Sachdeva, Justice Vivek Rusia (Indore Bench), and Justice Anand Pathak (Gwalior Bench) were also present.
Several technical sessions were held featuring experts such as Advocate General of Madhya Pradesh Prashant Singh, Dr Harsh Sharma (Special Duty Officer, National Forensic Science University, Bhopal), Advocate Vikram Dubey (National Secretary, Adhivakta Parishad), and Advocate Umesh Yadav.
Over a month of preparations and awareness drives across 16 districts of the Malwa region ensured success of the event, said advocate Sunil Jain, president of Indore High Court Unit and general secretary advocate Prasanna Bhatnagar.
