Arjun Ram Meghwal Pushes For Tech-Driven Legal System At Bharat Legal Conclave

Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State, Ministry of Law & Justice (Independent Charge) and Minister of State, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs underscored the urgent need for India’s legal ecosystem to evolve in tandem with rapid technological change, asserting that the law must remain dynamic to effectively respond to emerging societal and digital realities.

Speaking at the 2nd Bharat Legal Conclave, Meghwal highlighted that the traditional focus on ease of doing business must now be matched with an equally strong emphasis on ensuring ease of justice for citizens.

He stressed that law cannot remain static in a fast-transforming world, noting that technological disruptions from artificial intelligence to cyber threats are reshaping governance and regulatory frameworks. According to him, India has already laid a strong digital foundation under the Digital India initiative, which is enabling the country to address complex challenges such as phishing, cyber-attacks, and the regulation of global digital platforms.

He indicated that the government’s approach is to build an ecosystem that not only supports innovation but also attracts investment while reinforcing the rule of law.

Referring to recent legislative developments, Meghwal pointed to significant reform measures undertaken in the past few years to reduce compliance burdens and decriminalise minor offences. He noted that through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, as many as 183 offences across 42 central legislations have been decriminalised, signalling a shift towards a more facilitative legal regime. This, he suggested, reflects a broader intent to create a legal environment that is both business-friendly and citizen-centric.

The Minister also drew attention to the overhaul of India’s criminal justice framework with the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, which have replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act. He emphasised that these new laws accord greater importance to digital evidence, thereby enhancing the efficiency and speed of the justice delivery system.

Linking legal reform with economic growth, Meghwal observed that India continues to be viewed as a global economic outperformer. Citing projections from the Economic Survey 2025–26, he noted that the country’s GDP growth is expected to remain in the range of 6.8 to 7.2 percent, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors all demonstrating strong performance. He suggested that a robust and modern legal framework plays a critical role in sustaining this growth trajectory.

Highlighting the role of technology in judicial processes, Meghwal said that initiatives such as virtual hearings, e-filing systems, and electronic summons have significantly improved access to justice. He noted that more than four crore virtual hearings have already been conducted, marking a substantial shift towards a more accessible and efficient judiciary. These measures, he said, are part of a broader effort to integrate technology at every stage of the justice delivery system.

Addressing the issue of commercial disputes, the Minister referred to institutional mechanisms such as the Commercial Courts Act, pre-institution mediation, and the Mediation Act, 2023, which aim to provide faster and more effective dispute resolution. He also highlighted the ongoing e-Courts project, which leverages technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and optical character recognition to streamline judicial functioning.

Meghwal further stated that the government is moving steadily towards establishing a fully digital and paperless judicial system. He noted that recent developments, including the India AI Impact Summit 2026, reflect India’s growing role not just as a consumer of technology but as a global leader in shaping frameworks for technological governance.

Concluding his address, Meghwal articulated the vision of developing an indigenous yet globally relevant legal system that fosters innovation, encourages investment, and ensures timely justice. He emphasised that aligning India’s legal ecosystem with global standards while retaining its unique character will be key to meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital age.

Event Name: 2nd Bharat Legal Conclave

Event Date: March 17, 2026