IT in the legal industry

As much as we speak about the dominance of the Indian IT industry all over, the Indian judiciary has shown surprising lack of interest in harnessing the power of IT in its own backyard. Use of computers doesnt mean application of technology. Even in a city likeMumbai, people have to pay through their noses for a simple thing such as a copy of the judgement.

Large volumes of data are generated in the course of judicial proceedings and one can only imagine the amount of paper used in a city like Mumbai. Apart from the environmental impact of this, what is also a matter of concern is that this information is almost never readily available, is unusable or available at a cost. So much for legal aid. A possible alternative would be use of huge data management systems to organize and streamline the information into a centralized database - maybe one each for the state, however it might be. Also, recognition of the electronic form of communication permissible as evidence would also encourage companies to move towards storing information in the electronic form. Our system is more inclined towards having as many copies of the documents as possible. Having documents in the electronic form would also mean that tampering would be almost impossible. Even if it happens, it could be traced.

The challenges that I perceive are more human than systemic. We have been comfortable with paper no matter what the ocassion. Add to that the reluctance of the members of the judicial fraternity to get themselves equipped with technology. Like any new addition, technology, as simple as preservation of documents in electronic for, would seem like a  threat. This perception is somewhat similar to the one that prevailed when computers were introduced in banks.  If at all there is any effect, it would only help the legal fraternity.

Since documents will be preserved in electronic form, moving documents will be easier, faster and cheaper. It is less susceptible to fraud, tampering or being "lost" or "unavailable". Large volumes of data would also mean lot of work for legal professionals to go through those, while having to product the right ones in the court. This in turn means more job opportunities for law graduates and another branch of career altogether.

I would certainly appreciate more views on this. Contrary views with the intention of having a discussion are welcome.