Although artificial intelligence can be an effective aid to the judiciary, it “can never replace judges or the work they do,” Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath said on Sunday.
Speaking at a conference organized by the Bengaluru High Court Bar Association on global perspectives on judicial governance and the role of artificial intelligence, Justice Nath spoke about the limits of technology in legal decision making.
“While artificial intelligence may aid in research and improve efficiency, it cannot replace the trained mind of a lawyer or the ethical and disciplined judgment that a judge must exercise,” he said.
“Technology may help in drafting a memorandum, collecting data, etc., but it cannot replace a judge or the work that judges do,” he added.
Justice Nath stressed that there is no fixed formula for judicial decision-making, saying: “Even cases arising from the same law require different approaches based on the facts and context. Amnesty International cannot understand or replicate this nuance.”
In matters such as bail or commercial settlements, he said judges often make mixed assessments. “In a case involving ten accused in the same FIR, the judge may grant bail to nine people and deny it to one. Amnesty International cannot distinguish between this,” he said.
“Although AI can expand access and improve transparency, it also carries some risks,” he added.
Justice Nath urged the legal community to deal with Amnesty International responsibly, without compromising fundamental judicial values.
