New Delhi: AI in Indian judiciary was the key focus of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s address at the 7th Congress of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
He said technology can help courts improve access to justice and increase efficiency, but artificial intelligence cannot replace judges. According to the CJI, final judicial decisions must remain in human hands because judicial conscience, constitutional values, and human judgment cannot be substituted by machines.
CJI Surya Kant Highlights The Role Of AI In Indian Judiciary
Speaking at the international judicial conference, CJI Surya Kant emphasized that courts should embrace technology while remaining faithful to their constitutional duties. He stated that AI can support judges by improving research, translation, transcription, and administrative functions, making justice more accessible and efficient.
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The Chief Justice noted that technological innovation should strengthen judicial institutions rather than replace the human element that lies at the heart of justice delivery.
Why AI Cannot Replace Judges
According to CJI Surya Kant, AI may enhance judicial reasoning, but it cannot replace judicial conscience. Court decisions often require an understanding of ethics, fairness, constitutional principles, and human circumstances that go beyond data and algorithms.
He stressed that the responsibility for decision-making must remain with judges, who are accountable under the Constitution and the law.
AI In Indian Judiciary: Human Judgment Remains Essential
Judges must evaluate facts, witness statements, legal arguments, and the broader impact of their decisions. While AI can provide information and recommendations, it cannot fully understand human emotions, social realities, or constitutional morality.
How AI Can Help The Judiciary
AI can assist courts in several administrative tasks, including:
- Case scheduling
- Legal research
- Document management
- Language translation
- Transcription of court proceedings
These tools can reduce delays and improve efficiency in court operations.
AI In Indian Judiciary: Better Access To Justice
Technology can help people access legal information more easily, especially in remote areas. AI-powered tools can simplify legal processes and make court services more user-friendly. This aligns with ongoing efforts by the Indian judiciary to modernize court systems through digital initiatives.
Supreme Court’s Approach To AI
The Supreme Court has been actively exploring responsible uses of AI. Draft guidelines discussed within the judiciary allow AI for administrative and support functions but restrict its use in critical judicial decisions such as assessing witness credibility, bail eligibility, or risk evaluations. This approach aims to balance technological innovation with judicial accountability and fairness.
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FAQs
AI can help with legal research, case management, scheduling, translation, transcription, and other administrative tasks that improve court efficiency.
CJI Surya Kant said AI can assist courts and improve efficiency, but it cannot replace judges because judicial decision-making must remain with humans.
AI lacks judicial conscience, ethical reasoning, constitutional understanding, and human judgment, all of which are essential for delivering justice.
