Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, New Delhi, on Thursday, met the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, in Thimphu and extended comprehensive support for technical assistance and development of best practices in digitization and digitization of judicial processes in the Himalayan country.
The Judicial Committee also met with Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on Wednesday to discuss judicial cooperation, legal education, technological challenges and bilateral relations between the two countries, officials said.
A press release issued by the Supreme Court said that CJI Kant met the King and exchanged views to promote and strengthen bilateral relations between India and Bhutan.
The statement stated that they “discussed the deep and long-term relationship between the two countries and expressed their commitment to continuing cooperation in the form of judicial partnerships.”
“CJI Kant provided extensive and comprehensive support for technical assistance and development of best practices in digitization and digitization of judicial processes in Bhutan,” she said.
A separate press statement said that discussions between the CJI and Chief Minister Tobgay addressed the emerging challenges posed by cybercrime and digital fraud.
“Both sides recognized that rapid technological advances have enabled transnational criminal activities, often targeting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and the economically disadvantaged,” the statement read.
The statement added that it was emphasized that the development of traditional laws is struggling to keep pace with such developments, and that judicial systems must evolve to interpret and apply current laws in ways that protect the spirit and purpose of the legal framework.
“Enhancing judicial awareness, cross-border cooperation and technological capacity have been identified as key priorities in this regard,” he said.
“The ICJ also highlighted ongoing efforts to support technological modernization in Bhutan’s judiciary, including digitization and electronic filing systems and the integration of artificial intelligence as a powerful tool to improve procedural assistance in the field of judicial administration,” the statement said.
Both CJI Kant and Prime Minister Tobgay reiterated that strong India-Bhutan cooperation, anchored on shared values, institutional cooperation and people-to-people engagement, will continue to play an important role in addressing emerging challenges while promoting development and justice in the region, he added.
During the deliberations, CJI Kant offered to facilitate internship opportunities for students from JSW Law School in Bhutan.
“These training courses will provide exposure to the workings of the courts, legal drafting, pleadings and defence, as well as insight into how senior lawyers prepare and argue cases,” the statement said.
The two leaders also discussed the emerging proliferation of cybercrimes and how India and Bhutan can make joint efforts to prevent and prosecute such crimes, the statement issued by the ICJ meeting with the King of Bhutan said.
“The talks reaffirmed the cultural, spiritual and intellectual ties between the two countries and the determination to continue exchanging ideas, philosophies and support,” the statement said.
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