AI Can Assist Courts But Cannot Replace Judges: CJI Surya Kant
Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasizes that while AI can aid judicial research, human judges must remain the ultimate decision-makers in the legal process.
Speaking at a high-level international summit in Uzbekistan, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has made it clear that while technology is a powerful tool for expanding access to justice, it can never substitute for the human intellect and wisdom of a judge. Addressing the 7th Congress of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts in Samarkand, the CJI highlighted the delicate balance between embracing innovation and upholding constitutional responsibilities.
The Human Element in Justice
The Chief Justice warned that relying too heavily on technology without proper safeguards could lead to the exclusion of citizens and a breakdown of public trust. He emphasized that the core of judicial work—the ability to exercise acumen and make critical decisions—must remain exclusively with human judges.
"Artificial Intelligence may supplement judicial research and support the Court’s processes, but can never replace judicial acumen or decision-making, which must always remain with the Judge," Justice Kant stated.
To address these concerns, the Supreme Court has developed draft regulations regarding the use of AI, which are rooted in the fundamental principle of "human primacy."
Re-engineering the Judiciary for Citizens
Rather than simply digitizing old paperwork, the CJI explained that the Supreme Court’s strategy is to re-engineer judicial processes to be more citizen-centric. He noted that the digital transformation in India has already significantly lowered the barriers of distance and cost through several key initiatives:
- E-filing and Virtual Hearings: Making it easier for litigants to engage with the court from anywhere.
- Digital Case Management: Streamlining the flow of information within the legal system.
- Live-streaming: Providing transparency by broadcasting Constitution Bench proceedings.
The impact of this digital shift was starkly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between March 2020 and June 2024, the Supreme Court alone conducted over 7.5 lakh hearings via video conferencing.
Breaking Language and Information Barriers
One of the most significant hurdles in the Indian legal system is the language barrier. The CJI highlighted SUVAS, an AI-assisted tool designed to translate judgments into various Indian languages. To date, more than 83,000 translations have been published across 18 different languages.
Furthermore, the court has introduced Su-Sahayak, an AI-powered chatbot available on the Supreme Court website. This tool allows lawyers, litigants, and the general public to easily access:
- Case statuses
- Cause lists
- Court orders and judgments
- Information regarding e-services
The CJI noted that the ultimate goal is to make the court "intelligible to the citizen," ensuring that justice is not just accessible through open doors, but through processes that are easy to navigate.
The Road Ahead: One Case, One Data
Looking toward future efficiency, the Chief Justice referred to the "One Case, One Data" initiative. This project aims to integrate case information across every level of the judiciary to minimize duplication and reduce the delays that often plague the legal system. However, as the judiciary moves closer to a data-driven future, he reiterated the urgent need for robust safeguards to protect the integrity of the law.