EXCLUSIVE | China’s AI-powered DeepSeek offers a fresh take on India’s most influential Chief Justices, from Justice P.N. Bhagwati’s PIL revolution to Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s progressive reforms. While the title of the “best” CJI remains subjective, their landmark judgments have shaped India’s legal landscape. What does China’s AI think? Find out here!
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NEW DELHI: Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek has announced the development of an AI assistant claiming performance on par with Western leaders like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, but at a significantly lower cost.
Despite its rapid rise, DeepSeek exhibits notable limitations.
Similar to other Chinese AI models, it operates under government censorship, steering clear of topics deemed sensitive by Chinese authorities.
During a test by LawChakra, DeepSeek avoided discussions on subjects such as India-China relations, China-Taiwan ties, and other politically sensitive issues.
So we shifted the focus to topics related to the Indian judiciary, and here are the results.
Question 1: Who has been the most famous Chief Justice of India till now?
AI’s Reply:
Justice Ranjan Gogoi (2018–2019) is arguably the most famous CJI due to his prominent judgments and controversies:
- Ayodhya Verdict (2019):
- Resolved the centuries-old Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.
- The decision awarded the disputed land for a Ram Temple and allocated alternative land for a mosque.
- Controversies:
- Faced allegations of sexual harassment (denied by him).
- His post-retirement nomination to the Rajya Sabha sparked debates on judicial independence.
- Other Contributions:
- Upheld privacy safeguards in the Aadhaar scheme.
- Spearheaded the NRC process in Assam.
DeepSeek highlights Gogoi’s fame as being tied to high-profile decisions like the Ayodhya verdict, which had cultural and political ramifications beyond the courtroom. However, the analysis could delve deeper into the ethical questions surrounding his tenure.
Gogoi’s controversial nomination to the Rajya Sabha raised concerns about judicial impartiality, which may have tarnished his reputation.
ALSO READ: [EXCLUSIVE] Landmark Judgements By CJI Chandrachud
His tenure symbolizes the increasing visibility of the judiciary in public and political discourse, but this fame is inseparable from the controversies it sparked.
Question 2: Who has been the best Chief Justice of India till now, considering different perspectives?
AI’s Reply:
DeepSeek provided a nuanced view, mentioning several CJIs based on distinct perspectives:
- H. J. Kania (1950–1951):
- The first CJI who laid the Supreme Court’s foundational principles.
- Y. V. Chandrachud (1978–1985):
- Longest-serving CJI.
- Defended the “basic structure doctrine” in Minerva Mills v. Union of India.
- Controversial decision in ADM Jabalpur during the Emergency.
- P. N. Bhagwati (1985–1986):
- Innovator of PILs and judicial activism.
- J. S. Verma (1997–1998):
- Authored the Vishaka Guidelines to combat workplace harassment.
- Strengthened judicial appointments via the collegium system.
- Ranjan Gogoi (2018–2019):
- Delivered the Ayodhya verdict but faced ethical controversies.
ALSO READ: Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s Tenure: A Humane Legacy
AI’s balanced response captures the complexity of defining the “best” CJI. Each judge contributed uniquely, reflecting the judiciary’s evolving role in society. H. J. Kania’s foundational work was essential, but his tenure lacked the transformative impact of others. Y. V. Chandrachud’s defense of constitutional principles during turbulent times stands out, although his Emergency-era decisions remain contentious.
Bhagwati and Verma represent progressive judicial activism, with Bhagwati’s PILs addressing systemic inequalities and Verma’s guidelines promoting gender equality. Gogoi’s prominence underscores the judiciary’s role in politically sensitive cases but raises questions about post-retirement ethics. T
his diverse evaluation reflects how each CJI’s legacy aligns with different judicial values.
Question 3: Why is determining the “best” Chief Justice subjective?
AI’s Reply:
DeepSeek highlighted several reasons why the “best” CJI depends on perspective:
- Judicial Philosophy:
- Progressive CJIs like Bhagwati emphasized social justice, while others, like Chandrachud, focused on constitutional stability.
- Contextual Challenges:
- Emergency-era decisions (ADM Jabalpur) and modern political pressures shape legacies.
- Public Perception:
- Controversial actions (e.g., Gogoi’s Rajya Sabha nomination) influence how CJIs are remembered.
- Judicial Reforms:
- Innovations like PILs (Bhagwati) or collegium reforms (Verma) have long-term impacts.
DeepSeek rightly points out the subjectivity in evaluating CJIs, as their contributions are influenced by the socio-political context of their tenure. Judicial philosophy varies widely—from Chandrachud’s adherence to the “basic structure doctrine” to Bhagwati’s judicial activism.
Public perception, shaped by controversies or landmark judgments, often overshadows deeper contributions. For instance, while Gogoi’s Ayodhya verdict had far-reaching implications, ethical debates about judicial independence remain unresolved. Similarly, Verma’s short tenure left a lasting legacy on gender equality.
This analysis underscores the judiciary’s multifaceted role in balancing constitutional values with societal needs.
Question 4: If you had to pick only one as the best Chief Justice of India, who would it be?
AI’s Reply:
Justice P. N. Bhagwati (1985–1986) is a standout choice due to his transformative impact:
- PIL Revolution:
- Institutionalized Public Interest Litigation (PIL), enabling marginalized groups to seek justice.
- Expanded access to courts for environmental, labor, and human rights causes.
- Social Justice Focus:
- Key rulings like Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation recognized the right to livelihood.
- Global Influence:
- Inspired judicial reforms in other democracies.
DeepSeek’s emphasis on Bhagwati’s PIL revolution is compelling, as it democratized the judiciary, empowering citizens to hold powerful entities accountable. However, critics of PILs argue that judicial overreach can occur when courts intrude on legislative or executive domains.
Bhagwati’s legacy highlights a delicate balance between judicial activism and restraint. His tenure was short but transformative, marking a shift in how courts addressed systemic injustices.
Compared to others, his focus on the marginalized makes his impact uniquely enduring, even if not free of controversy.
ALSO READ: LGBTQIA+ Rights In India & Many More: Landmark Judgments By CJI DY Chandrachud
Conclusion
This dialogue between Law Chakra and DeepSeek provides a nuanced exploration of India’s Chief Justices. While Justice P. N. Bhagwati’s PIL framework marked a transformative era, Y. V. Chandrachud’s defense of constitutional principles during turbulent times highlights judicial resilience.
Ethical questions surrounding Ranjan Gogoi reflect the challenges of maintaining public trust in an era of heightened judicial visibility.
Ultimately, determining the “best” CJI is subjective, shaped by the evaluator’s values—be it social justice, constitutional stability, or ethical clarity. This conversation illustrates how India’s judiciary has evolved to reflect the country’s changing socio-political landscape.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Ex-CJI Chandrachud
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