Parliament diary: AI for judicial translations

The Supreme Court has adopted artificial intelligence language technology to translate judicial documents, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said today. He said AI was being used to transcribe oral arguments, particularly in Constitution Bench matters since February 2023. A committee under an SC Judge is currently monitoring the translation of important SC and High Court judgments into vernacular languages. So far, 17 high courts are using digital legal platforms to provide online access to judgments in vernacular languages.

Vande Bharat Sleeper train trials soon

The first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train has been manufactured and is set for field trials, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced. The rollout timeline depends on the successful completion of these trials. Currently, 136 Vande Bharat chair car coaches are operational.

750 fast-track courts for rape trials

Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal stated that the scheme to establish fast-track courts, including those for POCSO cases, has been extended until March 31, 2026, targeting 790 courts. As of October 2023, 750 fast-track courts across 30 states and UTs have disposed of 2,87,130 cases, including 4,489 in Punjab, 6,932 in Haryana, 1,264 in Himachal Pradesh and 300 in Chandigarh.

Rail track disruptions

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reported 17 cases of track disruptions, involving small cylinders, cement blocks and detonators, detected by the railway police between August and October. A complaint has been filed in one case, while 16 others are under investigation.

Nitrogen pollution

Union Health Minister JP Nadda cited an ICMR study in the Lok Sabha linking higher nitrogen compound levels in the air to increased emergency hospital visits for wheezing. The study, conducted at five sites in Delhi, highlights the health impact of nitrogen pollution.

(By Aditi Tandon)