CJI Surya Kant called for greater use of technology and artificial intelligence in courts, stating the judiciary should function like hospitals operating “24×7” to provide faster relief, while emphasising that justice delivery systems must respond immediately to citizens’ grievances and concerns.
Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath cautioned against overreliance on AI in judicial decision-making, stressing that conscience must guide judges. While acknowledging AI’s utility, he warned adjudication requires empathy, discretion, and human understanding beyond algorithmic outputs or mechanical processes.
Justice Pankaj Mittal advocates for the “Indianisation” of justice, proposing that Lady Justice’s statue holds the Gita, Vedas, and Puranas alongside the Constitution. This reflects a shift towards Indian identity, emphasizing recent judicial changes like translations of judgments and the reimagining of symbols. Legal education, he notes, should foster empathy and creativity.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed numerous industries, including healthcare, finance, and, increasingly, the legal sector. As AI-driven technologies continue to evolve, a pressing question arises: will AI eventually replace lawyers? While AI has already revolutionized various aspects of legal practice—such as document review, contract analysis, and legal research—its role remains a subject of debate.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud inaugurated the National Judicial Museum and Archive (NJMA), emphasizing its international standard design. During the event, he interacted with an AI lawyer, who affirmed the constitutionality of the death penalty in India. Chandrachud advocates for AI’s role in the judiciary and will retire soon as Chief Justice.
The Supreme Court of India emphasized caution in relying solely on AI for translating legal documents, highlighting potential errors. Despite challenges, AI has been integral in enhancing access to justice, with initiatives like AI-driven transcription and translations. The upcoming Supreme Court Hackathon underlines the judiciary’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved judicial processes.