Supreme Court judge Justice Manmohan on Saturday underscored the urgent need for India’s legal system to adapt and responsibly govern emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). He was speaking at the International Legal Conference 2025, organised by the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), and Indian National Association of Legal Professionals (INALP).
Addressing the conference themed “India’s Legal and Regulatory Framework: Navigating International Trade Opportunities”, Justice Manmohan highlighted the complex legal challenges posed by AI, data privacy, and cybersecurity.
“AI can compose music, design products, or write books, yet the ownership of these creations presents serious intellectual property questions with no straightforward answers,” Justice Manmohan remarked. “AI has been compared to a brilliant but unpredictable teenager, full of potential but still learning the rules. Our legal system must evolve to govern such technologies responsibly.”
Speaking on data privacy, Justice Manmohan said the Supreme Court had rightly recognised privacy as a fundamental right. He praised the enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act as a landmark step towards building a rights-based data regime.
On the issue of cybersecurity, he termed it the “foundation of any digital economy” and stressed the need for stringent penalties and a culture of cyber resilience. “International cooperation is critical as cyber threats rarely respect borders. A secure digital environment is non-negotiable for global trade and investment,” he said.
Justice Manmohan also addressed the rising complexities of intellectual property disputes in an increasingly borderless digital world. Citing the example of mobile phones, which carry thousands of patents, he questioned the practicality of adjudicating infringement disputes on a country-by-country basis versus adopting a uniform global royalty system. “Such complexities strain the ease of doing business globally,” he noted.
Acknowledging India’s leadership in the FinTech revolution, Justice Manmohan lauded the success of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has been globally recognised for its scale and efficiency. He, however, cautioned that rapid innovation also poses new regulatory challenges. “Legal frameworks must enable innovation while protecting consumers, ensuring data privacy, maintaining financial stability, and preventing illicit activity,” he said.
Concluding on an optimistic note, Justice Manmohan stated, “Yes, challenges exist, from shifting geopolitics to fast-evolving technologies, but I remain deeply optimistic. Our constitutional values and commitment to the rule of law will guide us through these turbulent waters.”
