New Delhi | June 10, 2025
Chief Justice of India Dr. B.R. Gavai on Monday issued a firm caution against the excessive reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automated systems within the judicial process, asserting that while technology can support courts, it must never replace core judicial functions.
Speaking at the Global Conference on Law, Ethics & Artificial Intelligence held at the University of Cambridge, the CJI emphasized the need for a cautious, ethical, and inclusive approach to adopting emerging technologies in courtrooms.
“Law is not a mathematical formula, and justice is not a mechanical outcome. Judicial reasoning, empathy, and human discretion cannot be programmed,” he stated.
CJI’s Key Concerns Over AI in Judiciary
• Risk of Algorithmic Bias:
The Chief Justice noted that AI systems could reflect biases embedded in their datasets and warned that such errors in judicial decisions could have grave consequences for fairness and justice.
• Danger of Fake and Fabricated Content:
Referring to recent incidents involving AI-generated fake legal citations and orders, he urged courts to remain vigilant and avoid blind trust in automated research tools.
• Privacy and Data Protection:
CJI Gavai highlighted that litigant data and court records are sensitive and must be protected, recommending stringent audit frameworks and oversight for AI use in courts.
• Digital Divide and Accessibility:
While applauding initiatives like SUVAS (AI-based language translation) and virtual hearings, the CJI expressed concern that the urban-rural divide in digital access may exclude weaker sections of society from justice.
“Tech Should Empower, Not Replace”
The Supreme Court has taken multiple initiatives over the last decade to modernize India’s judiciary ranging from e-filing portals to the National Judicial Data Grid. However, the Chief Justice reiterated that human judges must retain the final word, especially in cases involving social, emotional, and contextual judgment.
“Let technology be an ally of justice not its replacement,” CJI Gavai concluded.
Background and Context
This is not the first time concerns have been raised over AI in the legal sector. In 2023, a US lawyer faced disciplinary action for citing non-existent AI-generated case laws. Similarly, courts worldwide are grappling with the balance between efficiency and ethics in legal tech adoption.
In India, tools like SUVAS and Justice Clock have enhanced transparency, but the Supreme Court’s leadership has consistently underlined the need for regulation and accountability in AI deployment.
