AI in Indian courts must support case management, not replace judges, says CJI Justice Surya Kant

CJI Justice Surya Kant said AI should be integrated into the judicial system to manage records, spot patterns, and reduce procedural delays. Speaking at a seminar at the Karnataka Judicial Academy, he warned against AI dominating decision-making. He said transparency and accountability depend on judges delivering final judgments using human reasoning and experience.

Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant said Artificial Intelligence AI should enter courts in a careful way. Justice Surya Kant said AI must strengthen the justice system, not weaken it. Justice Surya Kant spoke after opening a one-day seminar at the Karnataka Judicial Academy, an official statement said.

The event was titled Artificial Intelligence-Prevention and Resolution of Disputes. It was organised with the UIA India Chapter, Bar Association of India and the National Law School of India University. Speakers focused on how AI may help courts manage workloads. They also discussed limits needed to protect fairness in decisions.

Artificial Intelligence AI in judiciary: CJI sets limits

Justice Surya Kant said AI can help courts deal with large datasets and old records. Justice Surya Kant said it can spot patterns and cut procedural delays. Justice Surya Kant warned against using AI to decide cases. Justice Surya Kant said AI must not take over the task of giving judgments.

Justice Surya Kant warned that AI-led decision-making may harm transparency and accountability. Justice Surya Kant said humans must keep control at the final stage. "The final stage of the judicial process, pronouncement of judgments, must remain firmly in human hands,\" Justice Surya Kant said. Justice Surya Kant said judges must use reason, experience and analysis.

Justice Surya Kant described AI as a support system, not a decision-maker. \"AI should function only as a tool or pathway, while the direction must always be determined by human intellect,\" Justice Surya Kant said. Justice Surya Kant said technology should enable better work practices. Justice Surya Kant added that human judgment must remain central.

Artificial Intelligence AI safeguards raised by Karnataka High Court Chief Justice

Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru questioned how AI may change courts. Justice Vibhu Bakhru asked if AI will stay as support. Justice Vibhu Bakhru also asked if it may replace judges over time. Justice Vibhu Bakhru said the judiciary must watch these shifts closely.

Justice Vibhu Bakhru spoke about possible gains and possible risks. Justice Vibhu Bakhru said AI can support predictive analysis of disputes. Justice Vibhu Bakhru said it may improve efficiency in case handling. Justice Vibhu Bakhru also noted AI-backed online dispute resolution may speed up disposal.

Justice Vibhu Bakhru stressed that safeguards must guide any AI use. Justice Vibhu Bakhru said judicial independence must remain protected. Justice Vibhu Bakhru also highlighted transparency and legality as key needs. Justice Vibhu Bakhru said AI must work under clear principles set by the system.

Artificial Intelligence AI and court access noted by Bar Association of India

Bar Association of India President Prashant Kumar spoke about language access. Prashant Kumar said AI has helped translate court judgments quickly into local languages. Prashant Kumar said this can help rural users understand decisions. Prashant Kumar also said lawyers can explain cases better to clients.

The seminar centred on using AI for support tasks in courts. Speakers said tools may help with records, time management and dispute handling. They also said core judicial work must not shift to machines. The remarks placed human decision-making and safeguards at the centre of any AI plan.

With inputs from PTI