Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said artificial intelligence can help courts with research and efficiency but cannot replace human judges in delivering justice. He stressed that interpreting the law and ensuring fairness must always remain the responsibility of the judiciary.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant recently emphasised that while artificial intelligence can assist the legal system, the final responsibility for interpreting laws and delivering justice must always remain with human judges.
Speaking at the NXT 2026, organised by the ITV Network, the Chief Justice addressed the theme of law and justice in the age of artificial intelligence. During his speech, he explained how law has continuously evolved through history while its core principle—justice—remains constant.
CJI Surya Kant used a simple yet powerful example of a river to explain the nature of law. According to him, laws, rules and legal procedures may change with time just like flowing water, but the idea of justice remains stable and acts as the foundation of the legal system.
He said that
“Artificial intelligence can support the justice system, but the responsibility of interpreting the law and ensuring justice will always remain with human judges.”
While discussing the development of legal systems across different periods of history, he pointed out that societies have always tried to establish law in stable and long-lasting forms. For instance, the ancient Code of Hammurabi was engraved on stone tablets to demonstrate authority and permanence. Similarly, in India, classical texts such as the Dharmashastras and the Arthashastra reflected the idea that law was closely linked to moral and social order.
However, in earlier times legal knowledge was accessible only to a limited group of scholars and scribes who possessed the ability to read and write. The Chief Justice explained that the invention of the Printing Press played a crucial role in changing this situation. Once books and legal texts became widely available, more people were able to learn about their rights and legal procedures. This development gradually helped in democratising access to legal knowledge and contributed to a broader understanding of justice in society.
The Chief Justice observed that this historical transformation shows that law is not a fixed or static concept. Instead, it evolves continuously in response to social changes, technological progress and the needs of the people.
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In modern times, he noted, the legal system is going through another major transition as courts increasingly move from traditional paper-based processes to digital platforms and technology-driven systems. In India, initiatives such as the e-Courts Project and the National Judicial Data Grid have significantly modernised the functioning of the judiciary.
These initiatives have introduced electronic filing systems, digital case management and improved public access to court data, thereby increasing transparency and efficiency in judicial administration.
Technology, he said, has made court processes faster and more efficient not only for judges and lawyers but also for ordinary citizens seeking justice. One important example of this change is the increasing use of virtual hearings by courts, including the Supreme Court of India. Virtual hearings have helped reduce geographical barriers by allowing litigants, lawyers and other participants to join proceedings from different parts of the country without the need for long-distance travel.
Despite these advantages, the Chief Justice cautioned against excessive reliance on artificial intelligence in the judicial decision-making process. He explained that AI tools can be very useful for tasks such as legal research, analysing large amounts of data and supporting administrative work within courts. However, AI systems often provide results without clearly explaining the reasoning behind their conclusions. This lack of transparency raises serious concerns about accountability and fairness in legal decisions.
He stressed that justice cannot be treated simply as a result produced by algorithms or computational systems. Legal decision-making requires thoughtful reasoning, careful interpretation of laws and an understanding of ethical principles. Judges, therefore, play a crucial role in ensuring that decisions are fair, balanced and aligned with constitutional values.
According to CJI Surya Kant, the human element in judging is essential because courts do not merely apply rules; they interpret laws in the context of real-life situations and human experiences. Judges are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding truth, protecting rights and maintaining public trust in the justice system.
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Justice highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced approach as technology continues to transform the legal landscape. While artificial intelligence can strengthen the efficiency and functioning of courts, it must remain a supporting tool rather than a replacement for human judgement.
Reiterating this principle, he again emphasised that
“Artificial intelligence can support the justice system, but the responsibility of interpreting the law and ensuring justice will always remain with human judges.”
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