Patna, Bihar, January 3, 2026 – Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday emphasised the critical importance of capacity building in judicial infrastructure to ensure that India’s courts can meet the growing demands of a rapidly expanding population, rising litigation, and increasingly complex disputes. Addressing dignitaries and legal luminaries in Patna during a two-day visit to Bihar, the CJI highlighted that modernising judicial facilities is not just a logistical requirement but a foundational necessity for an effective justice delivery system.

Justice Kant was in Bihar to lay the foundation stone for seven significant infrastructure projects at the Patna High Court premises, marking a pivotal moment in the court’s evolution. The projects include an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) building and auditorium, an IT building, an administrative block, a multi-level car parking facility, a hospital, a residential block for ministerial staffers, and an annexe building for the office of the advocate general.

Speaking on the occasion, the CJI noted, “The laying of foundation stones for the administrative block, the IT block, and other facilities of the Patna High Court is very crucial. I believe this occasion assumes a deeper resonance in Bihar, which is a land that occupies a distinctive place in India’s civilisational memory.” He underlined that Bihar’s rich legal and philosophical heritage has long recognised multiple dimensions of justice, with ‘nyaya’ (justice) being “a lived moral idea shaped by empathy, responsibility, and social consensus.”

Justice Kant explained that capacity building in judicial infrastructure is essential to ensure that courts are not only operationally efficient but also capable of providing meaningful justice. “The ability to evolve hinges upon the groundwork for a justice system that can meet the demands of a growing population, increasing litigation, and disputes of rising complexity,” he said. Highlighting institutional capacity as the first dimension of this effort, he observed that a modern administrative block functions much like the nervous system of the court, enabling judicial authority to be exercised effectively.

The CJI emphasised the transformative role of technology in modern courts. The new IT building, he said, will mark a significant shift from traditional “paper-heavy and time-intensive” processes to courts that are “data-informed, digitally enabled, and user-centric.” This transition, he noted, will improve efficiency, reduce delays, and ensure that the justice delivery system keeps pace with the challenges of a complex, contemporary society.

Justice Kant also stressed the importance of the ADR building and auditorium as spaces for learning, dialogue, and collaboration. He said these facilities would host ADR initiatives and facilitate conversations that strengthen the relationship between the Bar and the Bench, fostering a more cooperative and holistic approach to justice.

In a notable remark, the CJI highlighted the inclusion of a hospital facility within the court premises, underscoring the human dimension of justice. “Justice is delivered by human beings and not machines,” he said. The integration of healthcare facilities within the court complex, he explained, symbolises that the well-being of judicial officers and court staff is integral to the delivery of justice. “An institution that cares for its people is better equipped to protect the rights and dignity of others,” he asserted.

During the visit, Justice Kant also launched a new digital initiative, e-ACR Nyaya, designed to modernise the filing and processing of annual confidential reports for judicial officers. The application aims to streamline administrative procedures, enhance transparency, and reduce reliance on paper-based reporting, marking another step toward a digitally empowered judiciary.

The CJI’s remarks underscored that judicial infrastructure is more than just buildings and technology—it is a framework that supports the efficient and humane administration of justice. He noted that courts, when equipped with modern facilities, not only handle increasing caseloads effectively but also foster an environment where empathy, fairness, and professional integrity can flourish.

Justice Kant’s visit to Patna High Court comes at a time when India’s judiciary faces mounting challenges, including a growing backlog of cases and the increasing complexity of disputes spanning commercial, civil, and criminal law. By focusing on capacity building, the CJI signalled a commitment to addressing these challenges proactively.

“Whether it is through modern administrative blocks, IT-enabled processes, or ADR initiatives, the goal is to ensure that justice remains accessible, timely, and sensitive to the needs of all citizens,” he said.

Officials accompanying the CJI noted that the seven projects at the Patna High Court will not only enhance operational efficiency but also serve as a model for other high courts across India. The integration of digital systems, dedicated learning spaces, and healthcare facilities represents a holistic approach to judicial infrastructure, recognising that a robust system requires attention to both technological and human dimensions.

The CJI concluded his address by reiterating that the legitimacy of the judiciary rests on its ability to serve the people effectively and empathetically. He urged stakeholders to recognise that infrastructure development is inseparable from the broader goal of strengthening public trust in the justice system.

Through initiatives like these, Justice Kant emphasised, the judiciary can better navigate the complexities of modern governance and social life, ensuring that the rule of law is not only upheld but continuously adapted to meet emerging demands.