Justice Rajesh Bindal said AI and digital tools should only assist courts and must not override judicial reasoning. He also raised concerns about data privacy risks linked to the use of open-source platforms in the judiciary.
In an important observation on the growing use of technology in courts, Supreme Court judge Justice Rajesh Bindal has cautioned that artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools should only assist judges and must never replace human judicial thinking.
Speaking during a key session at a national-level conference on judicial reforms, Justice Bindal stressed that while technology can improve efficiency, it cannot take over the role of judicial reasoning. He clearly stated that
“AI and digital tools must be used solely as supportive instruments and should not be allowed to override judicial reasoning.”
The remarks came during a working session at the two-day conference titled ‘Judicial Process Re-engineering and Digital Transformation’, organised on April 11-12 by the eCommittee of the Supreme Court of India in collaboration with the Department of Justice. The conference brought together senior judges, policymakers, and technical experts to discuss how technology can be responsibly integrated into the justice delivery system.
Justice Bindal also highlighted serious concerns regarding the use of open-source platforms in the judicial system. He warned about possible risks to sensitive judicial data and confidentiality if such tools are not handled carefully. According to the official press release issued by the Supreme Court’s eCommittee, the judge flagged the need for strong safeguards while adopting digital solutions in courts.
The conference itself was structured into five detailed working sessions over two days. Each session focused on different aspects of introducing technology into judicial functioning, ranging from digital infrastructure to process re-engineering and cybersecurity.
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On the second day, Justice Bindal chaired the fourth working session, where discussions revolved around balancing innovation with judicial independence. Reiterating his position, he once again underlined that
“AI and digital tools must be used as supportive instruments and should not be allowed to override judicial reasoning.”
The event concluded with a valedictory address by Justice J K Maheshwari, who spoke about the importance of continuing judicial reforms and embracing technological advancements to improve access to justice and efficiency in courts.
Another important session, the fifth working session, was chaired by Justice Sandeep Mehta. This session highlighted the technological initiatives and innovations already being implemented by various High Courts across the country, showcasing how digital tools are transforming judicial administration at different levels.
The conference saw active participation from Supreme Court judges, Chief Justices, High Court judges, central project coordinators, and members of IT committees from across India. It served as a platform for meaningful discussions on how to modernise the judicial system while maintaining its core principles of fairness, independence, and accountability.
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On the first day, three separate sessions were conducted where experts and stakeholders discussed various dimensions of technology in the justice system. These included topics such as digitisation of records, use of AI in case management, and improving access to courts through online platforms.
Overall, the discussions reflected a clear consensus: while technology is essential for modernising the judiciary, it must remain a tool that supports judges—not one that replaces their decision-making authority.
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