Technological innovations have transformed virtually every aspect of human interaction, including the justice system which helped in providing justice to those corners of the country where people could not reach to seek their share of justice. With the hit of the pandemic Covid-19 in the Technology further proved that the future of justice was not limited to the court room as it pushed us to make changes and pressured us to proliferate. With the advent of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platforms, access to justice has expanded beyond traditional courtroom settings, offering efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly mechanisms to resolve disputes. This paper examines the impact of technological innovations on access to justice through a focused case study on ADR and ODR platforms. It highlights how these platforms leverage technology to address barriers to justice, explores their advantages and challenges, and evaluates their potential to bridge the justice gap globally. This paper further throws light on how nowadays technology has become one of the parts of their justice system as courts are hearing cases virtually and the traditional way of hearing cases in crowded courtrooms have changed.

The traditional justice system has long been criticized for being slow, expensive, and inaccessible to marginalized populations. ADR mechanisms, such as mediation, arbitration, and negotiation, emerged as alternatives to mitigate these limitations. The government has taken steps to adopt alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in some departments and ministries. With the integration of technology, these methods evolved into ODR platforms, enabling dispute resolution through online channels which indeed marks a remarkable milestone in reshaping how disputes are resolved, impacting the quality of life for individuals and the business environment for industries. This transformation has redefined the principles of accessibility, efficiency, and fairness in the delivery of justice.

ODR platforms harness digital tools such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and video conferencing to streamline the resolution process. These platforms reduce geographical barriers, offer flexible scheduling, enabling parties to participate at their convenience. One of the most significant contributions of technological innovations in ADR and ODR is the reduction in costs associated with dispute resolution. Traditional litigation often involves substantial legal fees, court costs, and expenses related to travel and accommodation. ODR platforms minimize these expenditures by digitizing processes such as case filing, evidence submission, and communication between parties.

Platforms such as eBay’s ODR system for buyer-seller disputes, India’s Lok Adalats (People’s Courts) transitioning to virtual formats, and international arbitration institutions adopting online hearings exemplify the diverse applications of ODR. These developments underscore the potential of ODR to complement traditional justice systems and provide alternative pathways for resolving disputes.

However, the adoption of ADR and ODR platforms is not without challenges. One major concern is the digital divide, which disproportionately affects individuals in rural areas, low-income groups, and older populations. Limited access to technology and internet connectivity can exclude these groups from benefiting fully from ODR platforms. Furthermore, there are concerns about data privacy and security, as the sensitive nature of dispute resolution requires robust safeguards to protect user information.