CJI Surya Kant Speaking at the 8th Dinkar Memorial Lecture organised by Respect India expressed concern over growing reports of artificial intelligence systems showing bias against poor and vulnerable communities, stressing that equality, dignity, and fairness remain essential pillars of a humane and balanced society.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said he is concerned that, even as artificial intelligence is growing rapidly, more and more reports suggest AI systems are showing bias against poor and vulnerable communities. Emphasising the importance of social justice, the CJI said that equality, dignity, and fairness are still the core of a humane and well-balanced society.
Justice Kant made these remarks while delivering the 8th Dinkar Memorial Lecture titled “Rashmirathi: The Epic of Social Justice,” organised by Respect India. Referring to the works of renowned Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, he noted that Dinkar’s writings had already expressed the principles of equality and human dignity long before these ideas were formally adopted in the Constitution of India.
On the expanding role of technology, Justice Kant said,
“reports have started coming that the technology also discriminates and is sometimes biased.”
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His comments come during ongoing global debates about algorithmic discrimination, bias in data, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in governance, jobs, policing, and welfare programmes.
Recalling his childhood, the CJI said his family encouraged him to read Dinkar and other major writers, including Munshi Premchand, Suryakant Tripathi Nirala, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, and Mahadevi Varma. He said the writings of these authors offered emotional support during India’s freedom struggle and helped spark revolutionary thinking among the masses.
Justice Kant also remarked that law, like literature, should offer comfort and hope to people. Speaking in Hindi, he explained that Dinkar’s poetry repeatedly focused on social justice, equality, and harmony values that also underpin the legal system. He noted that Dinkar received the title of “Rashtrakavi” from Mahatma Gandhi because his writing captured the aspirations, struggles, and emotions of the nation.
Taking inspiration from Dinkar’s well-known epic Rashmirathi, the CJI stressed the need to ensure justice and dignity for everyone.
He said,
“In a democracy, equality, dignity and social harmony are essential. Merely passing laws is not enough unless every individual is treated with dignity and respect,”
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Justice Kant further pointed out that social and economic disparities still exist even decades after Dinkar’s writings. He urged that social justice should not remain only a set of abstract goals, but must translate into institutions and governance in practical ways.
Discussing the link between literature and law, the CJI said writers and poets have historically shaped societies and influenced public thinking. Referring to the idea of “poetic justice,” he said such concepts are connected to the writings of major literary figures who helped develop moral and social awareness.
The programme was attended by several prominent figures, including Vikas Singh, who said, “Dinkar’s writings reflect the foundational principles of justice rooted in our civilisational ethos. This platform connects literary thought with contemporary legal and societal discourse.”
Manoj Tiwari, who received the “Dinkar Sanskriti Samman,” was also present, along with Supreme Court judge P B Varale, senior advocates, academics, and students from universities and colleges.
Speaking at the event, Manish Kumar Chaudhary said,
“This memorial lecture is a tribute to Dinkar ji’s legacy and his ideas that continue to inspire generations. We want this platform to bring together culture, ideas and social responsibility.”
Former Delhi University professor Rameshwar Rai added that Dinkar’s works remain valuable for understanding social justice, human values, and wider societal change.
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