Chief Justice of India (CJI), D.Y. Chandrachud, during his address at the East Zone II Regional Conference of the National Judicial Academy in Kolkata, discussed the innovative use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Supreme Court to enhance judicial efficiency without compromising the essential human aspects of justice delivery.
AI in Judicial Processes:
CJI Chandrachud expressed that while AI offers precise solutions, particularly in numerical tasks like motor accident compensation, it lacks the essential human traits of empathy and compassion. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance, stating, “While AI can assist in minimizing errors in numerical calculations, it cannot replace the human capacity for compassion that is crucial in judicial reasoning.”
Practical Applications and Concerns:
Highlighting the specific uses of AI, CJI Chandrachud announced that the Supreme Court will soon implement AI technologies to categorize and verify cases, aiming to ensure fairness in how cases are handled. “AI will soon be used to categorize cases based on their nature and urgency, allowing more systematic and equitable case management,” he explained.
Ethical Implications and Accessibility:
CJI Chandrachud also touched on the ethical implications of AI, including potential biases, and underscored the ongoing need to ensure that AI systems in the judiciary are designed to be as impartial and objective as possible. Moreover, he addressed the issue of accessibility to legal resources. The Supreme Court has initiated a digital library that offers free access to judgments, facilitating greater legal literacy and ensuring that lawyers and judges across India can access important legal texts without cost.
Conference Insights:
The two-day conference provided a forum for legal experts to discuss the intersection of technology and justice, with CJI Chandrachud’s insights paving the way for thoughtful integration of AI into the judiciary. His remarks emphasized the potential of technology to improve the administration of justice while cautioning against its limitations.
Looking Ahead:
The integration of AI in the Supreme Court represents a significant step towards modernizing India’s judicial system, offering prospects for faster and more effective case management. However, CJI Chandrachud’s speech also served as a reminder of the need to preserve the human touch in legal proceedings — a balance that he described as crucial to the essence of justice.
