Karnataka Judicial officers’ event: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, while addressing the 22nd biennial state-level conference of judicial officers, themed ‘Reimagining the Judiciary in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,’ urged the attendees of the event to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) with clarity and caution. He emphasised that technology must support, and not supplant human prudence and judgement in the administration of justice. 

He underscored that while AI offers transformative potential, its adoption must be guided by a clear understanding of its limitations. 

Technology must aid judges, not replace them

Justice Kant said, “Do not be afraid of AI,” while drawing parallels between complex legal cases and the thoughtful approach required to utilise emerging technologies. He underscored that just like judges apply deeper reasoning and patience in complex cases, AI tools too must be utilised carefully and consciously, without compromising judicial independence. 

Karnataka CM Siddharamaiah was also in attendance at the event organised by the state’s Judicial Officers Association. Supreme Court judges BV Nagarathna and Aravind Kumar, along with Karnataka High Court’s Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru were also present at the event. 

Furthermore, Justice Kant highlighted that AI can enhance efficiency up to a substantial level in areas like legal research, data organisation and case management, leading to a reduction in administrative burden and facilitating adjudication among the judges. 

Karnataka Judicial officers’ event: Kant says AI lacks human judgement

He, however, cautioned that AI operates on algorithms and datasets, owing to which it lacks the ethical, social and moral reasoning intrinsic to judicial decision-making. He observed, “Judging is not just analytical. It is reflective and is guided by constitutional values,” warning that excessive use and dependence of AI could dilute the integrity and depth of legal reasoning. 

Towards the conclusion of his address, Justice Kant emphasised that while the judiciary must evolve with technology, its core identity must remain intact. He said, “Justice is, and must always remain, a human endeavour shaped by reasoning, guided by values and enriched by experience.”

Also read: Telugu icon Allu Arjun approaches Delhi HC, seeks legal shield against digital exploitation