Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh achieved a quiet but historic milestone when Justice Sanjeev Kumar, senior-most Judge of the High Court, presided over Division Bench proceedings from Gurez through virtual mode on September 23. Along with Justice Sanjay Parihar, who joined from the Jammu wing, the Division Bench demonstrated that justice should not be bound by geography and what unfolded in the remote frontier region was not just a hearing of listed cases but a glimpse of the future of judicial functioning in J&K. This move has come at a time when technology has transformed our lives in every sector including commerce, education, and governance. Yet, the judiciary which is arguably one of the most crucial pillars of democracy has often lagged in embracing innovation. The Gurez experiment has broken that inertia by sending a message that modern technology can bridge distances, reduce costs, and ensure that access to justice is not hindered by topography or travel barriers. For people living in far flung areas like Gurez, Kishtwar, Zanskar, or Poonch, reaching a High Court bench is not only an expensive prospect but also time-consuming. A single case requires multiple trips, which strains litigants financially and emotionally. Against this background, virtual hearings are a necessity for true access to justice because they democratize the system and ensure that the promise of justice is not limited to those who live in cities. In the pandemic years, virtual courts became the norm. While the shift was initially driven by compulsion, it showed the judiciary that efficiency, speed, and inclusivity can be enhanced when hearings are freed from the walls of the courtroom. The Gurez example proves again that such steps should not remain emergency measures but institutionalized practices. Of course, innovation must be accompanied by infrastructure. Digital connectivity in border and mountainous regions remains patchy. Without reliable internet, the promise of virtual justice will remain half-fulfilled. The UT government must therefore invest in strengthening digital infrastructure, ensuring high-speed connectivity for every court complex, however remote. Training judges, lawyers, and litigants in the effective use of technology is also vital to ensure smooth adoption. There have been arguments that virtual hearings compromise court proceedings. But solemnity is a matter of discipline, not location. What matters is the delivery of justice in a fair, timely, and accessible manner. If technology can reduce pendency, cut delays, and save litigants from unnecessary hardship, then resisting it is nothing less than resisting progress. Now the challenge is to replicate Justice Sanjeev Kumar’s initiative, refine it, and make it routine. A judiciary that embraces technology will not only speed up justice but will also uphold the democratic promise that all are equal in the eyes of law.