Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Saturday advocated for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the judicial system albeit in a measured way. “I may make multiplication errors but the machine-operated robot cannot have that sense of empathy or compassion which a judge has”: says CJI.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized the potential benefits and challenges of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the judicial system.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day East Zone II Regional Conference of the National Judicial Academy in Kolkata, CJI Chandrachud underscored the importance of technological advancements in enhancing the justice delivery system while cautioning against an overreliance on AI.
Exploring AI in the Supreme Court
CJI Chandrachud revealed that the Supreme Court is actively experimenting with AI to improve judicial processes. He stated,
“We are experimenting with Artificial Intelligence in the Supreme Court… As someone who spent 34 years in the art and science of judging, I don’t want a machine-operated robot to write my judgment.”
He acknowledged that while AI could provide mathematically accurate answers in cases such as motor accident compensation claims, it lacks the human qualities of empathy and compassion that are essential in judicial decision-making.
“The machine-operated robot may give a more mathematically correct answer in a claim for motor accident compensation. I may make multiplication errors but the machine-operated robot cannot have that sense of empathy or compassion which a judge has. AI has failings. It has biases depending on who designed it,”
-he added.
AI for Case Verification and Categorization
CJI Chandrachud further elaborated on the practical applications of AI in the judiciary, particularly in verifying and categorizing cases.
“But we are using AI in a very different context… Sometimes cases of very high value are filed in our registries. The more resourced citizens are able to ensure that their cases are fast-tracked. While the cases of poorer citizens take a back seat. Then we thought why not introduce AI for the verification of cases? AI can do that. We are going to unveil that in the Supreme Court very shortly,”
-he explained.
He highlighted the potential of AI to categorize cases more effectively, which would enable better management of litigation.
“Which enables us to manage the litigation better,”
-he said.
Promoting Legal Literacy Through Technology
Addressing the broader implications of technology in the judiciary, CJI Chandrachud expressed concern over the accessibility of legal information. He pointed out that not everyone can afford to subscribe to judgments of the Supreme Court.
To bridge this gap, the Supreme Court has launched a digital library on its website, providing free access to all judges and lawyers across India.
“This is an effort to promote legal literacy,”
-he said, underscoring the initiative’s goal of making legal knowledge more accessible and fostering a more informed legal community.
Balancing Technology and Human Judgment
Throughout his speech, CJI Chandrachud stressed the need for a balanced approach to the adoption of AI in the judiciary. While recognizing the efficiency and accuracy that AI can bring to certain aspects of judicial work, he reiterated the irreplaceable value of human judgment, empathy, and compassion in delivering justice.
His remarks highlight the judiciary’s cautious yet forward-thinking stance on integrating technology to enhance the efficiency and fairness of the legal system.
The conference in Kolkata served as a platform for discussing the evolving role of technology in the judiciary, with CJI Chandrachud’s insights providing a crucial perspective on how AI can be leveraged to improve justice delivery while maintaining the human elements essential to judicial processes.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on CJI
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
