Ex-CJI DY Chandrachud emphasized that AI has transformative potential, capable of revolutionizing India’s justice system by automating high-volume cheque dishonour cases. He believes AI-enabled adjudication can cut delays, reduce pendency, and enhance judicial efficiency without compromising fairness.
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NEW DELHI: Former Chief Justice of India Justice DY Chandrachud recently highlighted the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ease the judicial backlog, particularly in high-volume, low-impact litigation such as cheque dishonour cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.
Speaking at the IBA Litigation and ADR Symposium, he explained that India must adopt a balanced approach, leveraging AI where feasible, while ensuring human judges retain control over sensitive matters.
Justice Chandrachud noted that cheque dishonour disputes account for one of the largest categories of pending litigation in India, clogging magistrate courts and slowing access to justice. These cases are largely transactional and often involve predictable patterns, making them suitable for automation.
“It is possible to contemplate automated handling of disputes where the outcomes do not have a very significant impact on basic or fundamental human rights,”
he stated.
He suggested that AI-enabled adjudication models could manage routine matters and significantly reduce pendency without compromising fairness.
Chandrachud referenced the success of Delhi’s virtual courts, which automated routine traffic challan matters previously handled by numerous magistrates. This innovation freed judicial officers to focus on cases demanding detailed adjudication.
A similar model could be implemented for cheque bounce litigation, helping streamline processes and shorten resolution timelines.
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While advocating technological adoption, Justice Chandrachud cautioned against full-scale automation in cases involving serious consequences. He stressed that categories such as:
- Housing and rent control litigation
- Eviction matters involving vulnerable tenants
- Motor accident compensation claims
must stay under human oversight due to their direct impact on livelihood and human dignity. For accident claims, he suggested an optional AI model that offers instant awards while allowing victims to choose judicial review.
Justice Chandrachud emphasised that efficiency is increasingly a constitutional value, but speed cannot override access, fairness, and due process. The goal of AI should be to support judges—not replace human judgment.
He stressed the importance of Explainable AI (XAI) systems that allow transparency, contestability, and safeguard dignity.
“Technology must remain a means to accelerate justice, not a substitute for its values.”
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Acknowledging concerns around disruption, he described AI as a catalyst for creative transformation, enabling lawyers and judges to focus on complex disputes while automating repetitive tasks. He urged legal professionals to adapt and evolve with technological change.
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