Justice K.V. Viswanathan On AI In Law: Algorithms Cannot Replace A Trained Legal Mind

Addressing students at the 4th Convocation Ceremony of the Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur, Justice Viswanathan underscored that while technology is reshaping the profession, a trained legal mind will always retain an edge that no algorithm can replicate.

Former Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai was the guest of honour at the ceremony.

In a speech that blended realism with caution, Justice Viswanathan acknowledged that lawyers in the 21st century are expected to cultivate technological proficiency. “Anything that responsibly saves your time must be measured and mastered,” he said, raising what he described as the inevitable question, what is the role of AI in the legal profession?

He answered it with clarity: AI is a tool, not a substitute.

“You can partner with AI, but you cannot let AI replace the core functions you are supposed to perform,” he said. Justice Viswanathan noted that lawyers must understand at least the fundamentals of how AI tools function. This includes prompt engineering, evaluating outputs critically, and identifying when a system is “hallucinating” or generating inaccurate content.

Justice Viswanathan pointed to instances where lawyers had relied on AI-generated case citations that turned out to be fictitious. “The embarrassment caused to the professional is a separate issue, but the damage was caused to the client,” he observed, highlighting the ethical and professional risks of blind reliance on automated systems.

Drawing a clear boundary between human judgment and machine assistance, he said, “It can retrieve, but it cannot judge. It can draft, but it cannot counsel.” According to him, AI operates on probabilities, predicting words or outcomes based on patterns in data; but lacks the reasoning, empathy and accountability that define the legal profession.

He warned that the moment a lawyer begins to outsource thinking entirely to technology, the professional ceases to function as a lawyer and becomes merely a conduit. No AI-generated document, he stressed, should pass through a lawyer’s hands without careful human verification and authentication.

Justice Viswanathan emphasised that artificial intelligence must be used like any other professional instrument, with skill, caution and independent application of mind firmly in control.

Echoing similar concerns, Supreme Court Justice A.S. Chandurkar also addressed the role of technology during the convocation. While acknowledging that artificial intelligence has introduced efficiency and innovation across sectors, including law, he said it has simultaneously created complex challenges.

Justice Chandurkar urged graduating students not to allow technological convenience to supplant foundational professional skills such as reading, reasoning and drafting. “These skills are the foundation of the profession,” he said, warning that neglecting them in favour of automated shortcuts would weaken the very core of legal practice.

He described the present generation as uniquely placed to use technology wisely and responsibly. However, he cautioned that technology must remain a servant, not the master. It should strengthen and polish work, not dilute original thinking.

The twin messages from the Supreme Court judges reflect a growing judicial awareness of artificial intelligence’s expanding role in legal practice. While acknowledging its utility as an assistive tool, the judges made it clear that the essence of law; judgment, interpretation, ethical responsibility and human engagement, remains firmly rooted in human intellect.