'Technology Enables Courts To Fulfil Constitutional Responsibility More Effectively': CJI Surya Kant
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said AI can augment judicial intelligence but cannot replace judicial conscience while highlighting the Supreme Court's digital transformation and AI initiatives
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Thursday asserted that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) can significantly enhance judicial administration, it can never replace the "judicial conscience," stressing that justice ultimately depends on human wisdom, empathy and reasoned decision-making.
Delivering a keynote address on "The Future of Justice Delivery: Innovation, Inclusion, and Integrity," the CJI said technological innovation derives its true value only when it advances inclusion while remaining firmly anchored in integrity.
Reflecting on the Indian judiciary's digital transformation, the CJI said the objective over the past two decades has never been to make courts more technological for their own sake, but to make them more accessible, transparent and responsive to every stakeholder.
"Technology, in our understanding, is not an end in itself; it is an instrument that enables courts to fulfil their constitutional responsibility more effectively," he said.
Recalling his early years at the Bar in 1984, Justice Kant contrasted the era of physical cause lists pasted outside courtrooms with today's digital ecosystem, where lawyers and litigants can track case listings and live court progress on their mobile phones from anywhere in the country.
He said the e-Courts Mission Mode Project has transformed judicial administration through e-filing, digital case management, online access to court records, video conferencing and virtual hearings.
According to the CJI, judges now benefit from reduced administrative burdens through electronic records, while the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) enables data-driven allocation of judicial resources by providing real-time information on case pendency and disposal across courts.
He also highlighted the benefits for the legal profession, observing that advocates practising in smaller towns now have access to digital libraries, electronic databases and advanced legal research tools that were once available only in metropolitan centres.
Calling litigants the greatest beneficiaries of digital reforms, Justice Kant noted that citizens can now track their cases online, participate in virtual hearings and access judicial services without expensive and time-consuming travel.
He also underscored the growing role of online mediation, observing that technology has made consensual dispute resolution quicker, more convenient and more affordable by enabling parties in different locations to resolve disputes virtually.
AI must remain subject to human oversight
Turning to Artificial Intelligence, the CJI reiterated that AI should be viewed as a tool to assist judicial functioning rather than replace judges.
"Artificial Intelligence may augment judicial intelligence, without replacing the judicial conscience. Technology can process information with remarkable speed, but justice ultimately demands wisdom, empathy, and the exercise of reasoned human judgment," he said.
He highlighted several AI-driven initiatives introduced by the Supreme Court, including:
-SUVAS, the AI-enabled translation platform that makes judicial decisions available in multiple Indian languages.
-Su Sahay, the Supreme Court's AI-powered chatbot that assists litigants and lawyers with information on court procedures, filing requirements and case status.
-One Case, One Data, an initiative aimed at creating a single standardised digital record for every case to improve consistency and reliability across judicial platforms.
The CJI, however, cautioned that technological advancements cannot evolve without adequate safeguards.
He referred to the Supreme Court's Draft Regulations for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Judiciary, which seek to ensure transparency, accountability and meaningful human oversight in the deployment of AI within courts.
The proposed regulations recognise that while AI can assist in translation, transcription, information management and administrative functions, it cannot evaluate evidence, determine credibility, exercise judicial discretion or render constitutional justice.
Concluding his address, Justice Kant emphasised that India's experience demonstrates technology and human values are complementary rather than competing ideals.
"The future remains human," he said, adding that responsible deployment of technology can make justice systems more inclusive, efficient and accessible without compromising fairness or judicial independence.