Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday urged judicial officials not to be afraid of artificial intelligence and instead warned that adoption of the technology in the judiciary must be accompanied by a clear and conscious understanding of its inherent limitations.
The CJI was speaking at the 22nd biennial State Judicial Officers’ Conference, themed ‘Reimagining the Judiciary in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’, organized by the Karnataka State Judicial Officers Association, where he emphasized that technology should remain an aid, not a substitute.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Supreme Court Justices BV Nagaratna and Aravind Kumar, Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court Vibhu Bhakru, among others, were also present at the event.
He added that AI should be integrated into the judicial process in a balanced way – using it to improve efficiency while protecting human judgment, expertise and the constitutional values at the core of justice.
“I would also like to add that you should not be afraid of artificial intelligence,” Justice Kant said. “What do you do when you are presented with a case involving very complex facts and complex legal issues? You think more, spend more time, exercise greater patience, and feel a sense of satisfaction when you decide such a case.”
He added: “The same will happen with artificial intelligence tools when we start using them carefully and consciously, ensuring that the judge within you remains independent and not influenced by these technical tools.”
The Chief Justice said that while the emergence of artificial intelligence represents significant opportunities and serious challenges for the judiciary, it has the potential to enhance efficiency in useful ways – by aiding legal research, simplifying case management, organizing large amounts of data, and alleviating administrative burdens that often consume valuable judicial time.
“Through structured and targeted training, judicial officers can effectively harness these tools to improve productivity and ensure more time and attention are devoted to the core function of adjudication,” he said.
“AI operates according to existing patterns, algorithms, and data sets; it does not possess judgment in the human sense, nor can it address the ethical, social, and moral dimensions that often underpin judicial decision-making,” Justice Kant said.
He said: “The arbitration process is not just an analytical process, but also reflective, contextual and guided by constitutional values. Over-reliance on artificial intelligence tools risks reducing this meticulous practice to a mechanical outcome, weakening the depth, independence and integrity of judicial reasoning.”
CJI expresses concerns over use of AI
Expressing concern about AI malfeasance, he said there have been recent cases of fabricated precedents, incorrect citations and completely fictitious legal proposals produced by AI platforms.
“These alleged ‘hallucinations’ are not simple technical lapses; they strike at the foundation of the judicial process, which depends on accuracy, authenticity and trust. If left unchecked, they have the potential to mislead, distort legal arguments, harm the quality of judgments, and distort outcomes.”
Justice Kant also warned that AI tools are increasingly being misused to produce misleading pleadings, unsubstantiated claims, or memorandums that appear convincing on the surface but lack substantive merit.
“Such practices not only overburden the judicial system, but also distract from real disputes that require urgent resolution. In an already strained system, this adds a layer of complexity that must be addressed seriously,” he said.
Emphasizing the role of judicial officers in this changing environment, the CJI stated that “technology must be approached with prudence, not deference.”
He stressed that any material generated by artificial intelligence must be carefully examined and independently verified, adding: “The responsibility for ensuring accuracy, authenticity and fairness cannot be delegated to a machine. It remains a fundamental and non-negotiable element of judicial duty.”
He further stressed that even as the system evolves, the basic principle must be upheld – that justice is and must always be a human endeavor.
“It is shaped by thinking, guided by values, and enriched by experience, and no technological advance can replicate the intuitive understanding and moral judgment at the core of judicial decision-making,” he said.
According to the International Commission of Justice, the future of the judiciary will depend on its ability to adapt while maintaining its basic identity. He pointed out that this requires continuous learning, thinking, and continuous commitment to excellence.
“We stand in a moment of transition, where the choices we make will shape the course of justice for years to come,” he said. “While our tools and methods may evolve, our fundamental responsibility remains unchanged – to deliver justice that is fair, accessible and humane.”
Pointing out that institutions periodically require self-reflection, the Justice Commission of India observed that it is time for the Indian judiciary to do introspection.
He added: “There will come a time when we must stop, not out of hesitation, but out of responsibility.”
(With inputs from PTI)
