In a move that could significantly alter the administrative functioning of the Supreme Court, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based software is set to handle case listing and bench allocation in the top court, a shift aimed at minimising human intervention in the process.

As per the online sources the decision was taken by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

At present, the Chief Justice acts as the “master of the roster,” with the authority to assign cases to different benches of the court. This power has often attracted scrutiny due to its central role in determining which bench hears a particular matter.

The proposed reforms follow an internal review that reportedly identified two key systemic concerns within the Supreme Court registry. First, certain officials had continued in the same positions for extended periods, raising concerns about entrenched roles. Second, outdated technological infrastructure was found to have allowed administrative lapses, including irregularities in case listing and allocation.

In parallel, the registry has witnessed a significant round of interdepartmental transfers of officials as part of efforts to address long-standing incumbency and improve administrative efficiency. Sources suggest that a second round of transfers may take place before the end of the month.

The developments were triggered by an issue that surfaced during the hearing of a petition filed by Irfan Solanki. The matter was heard by a bench comprising CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi.

The petition challenged the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986, contending that it was repugnant to Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

During the hearing, the State of Uttar Pradesh informed the court that a nearly identical challenge had already been dismissed earlier in Md. Anas Chaudhary v. State of Uttar Pradesh. In that case, a three-judge bench led by former Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud, along with Justices P. S. Narasimha and Dipankar Datta, had rejected the petition on December 12, 2022, while directing the petitioner to pursue remedies before the appropriate forum.

Despite the earlier dismissal, a similar petition had again been listed before a different bench of the Supreme Court.

Taking serious note of the lapse, CJI Surya Kant expressed displeasure over the matter. Although Senior Advocate Shoeb Alam sought permission to withdraw the plea, the CJI directed that the petition would remain pending before the Court and be taken to its logical conclusion. He also indicated that a deeper administrative inquiry would be undertaken into the issue.