The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday expressed serious concerns over the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on employment across various sectors, warning that the rapid advancement of AI could result in large-scale job losses.
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N.K. Singh, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking policy support for the adoption of electric vehicles, remarked that the future of driving jobs is under threat due to automation driven by AI. The judges noted that if the government promotes electric vehicles without considering the implications of AI-based automation, thousands of drivers could be rendered jobless.
“Our concern is that AI should not eliminate the employment of drivers. In India, being a driver is a major source of livelihood,” the Bench observed. The Court was hearing submissions from Advocate Prashant Bhushan, who argued that the government should implement a comprehensive policy to incentivize the purchase and use of electric vehicles, citing alarming pollution levels in Indian cities.
In a lighter tone, Justice Surya Kant also pointed out that even legal professionals are feeling the heat from AI. “Even lawyers are being challenged by AI. There are tools now that can offer legal opinions. In just a few months, we are seeing highly developed AI modules,” he said. He mentioned the growing use of AI-based legal tools in countries like the United States and said India should be alert to their implications on legal practice.
The Court’s remarks reflect a broader societal anxiety regarding the impact of AI on white- and blue-collar jobs alike. Industries such as content writing, consulting, and other knowledge-based services are also expected to undergo significant transformation due to AI, prompting business leaders and policymakers to demand safeguards.
During the hearing, Prashant Bhushan emphasized the urgency of adopting a national policy to encourage electric vehicles, noting that 14 of the world’s 15 most polluted cities are in India. He added that poor charging infrastructure is one of the biggest hurdles, with charging stations currently spaced as far as 400 kilometers apart. “If the government doesn’t act first, how can other departments follow suit?” Bhushan questioned.
Representing the government, Attorney General R. Venkataramani requested time to present the government’s position on the matter. The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for May 14.
