Senior Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath has called for the establishment of a modern legal framework capable of managing rapid technological change, evolving international relations, and the governance of artificial intelligence. Speaking at the 11th BRICS+ Legal Forum hosted by the Bar Association of India, Justice Nath stated that while international legal systems may differ, legal frameworks must evolve to maintain accountability, fairness, and cross-border cooperation in a changing global landscape.
Regulating Artificial Intelligence And Preserving Human Oversight
Addressing legal professionals from BRICS member states and India, Justice Nath noted that artificial intelligence is already embedded in global economic and social life, with its application expected to expand further. He stated that BRICS discussions on AI have acknowledged the necessity of governance models that foster innovation while protecting safety, inclusiveness, human rights, and equitable access.
Justice Nath observed that a key challenge for the legal community is creating regulatory responses to technologies that advance much faster than traditional legislative processes. He explained that while technology prioritizes operational speed, the law is designed to ensure scrutiny, deliberate reasoning, and accountability. Emphasizing that artificial intelligence systems are designed by humans and trained on data reflecting existing societal inequalities, he warned that unexamined AI tools can reproduce these patterns. Consequently, he stated that AI governance must not be delegated solely to technology developers, but requires participation from judges, lawyers, policymakers, scientists, and social activists to address fundamental legal questions of responsibility and equality.
Strengthening Rule Of Law Amid Global Instability
Justice Nath pointed out that geopolitical friction, economic uncertainty, and emerging technologies are fundamentally altering how nations interact. He observed that global discussions are increasingly questioning whether decades-old international institutions still accurately reflect contemporary realities.
In addressing how countries can maintain effective cooperation despite national differences, Justice Nath highlighted the rule of law as an essential stabilizing mechanism. He explained that the rule of law provides structural certainty, ensures institutional accountability, establishes credible dispute-resolution mechanisms, and reinforces international commitments. He added that the legal dimension of BRICS is integral to its political and economic cooperation.
Promoting Institutional Cooperation Across Diverse Legal Systems
Highlighting India’s experience with cultural, linguistic, and societal diversity, Justice Nath noted that legal and political differences among BRICS nations should not prevent them from establishing common ground. He remarked that mutual understanding among distinct legal systems is necessary for effective joint action in commerce, technology, and dispute resolution.
Reviewing the background of the forum, Justice Nath recalled that the BRIC concept originally emerged to describe the expanding economic significance of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Since its inaugural summit in 2009, the group has expanded its scope to address sustainable development, institutional collaboration, technology, and alternative dispute resolution. He concluded that building a 21st-century legal architecture requires legal institutions to continuously adapt to an evolving world.
