AI Can Assist, Not Decide Justice: CJI at Bengaluru Judicial Conference

India’s judiciary stands at a critical crossroads as Artificial Intelligence (AI) begins to reshape courtrooms, workflows, and legal reasoning. Addressing a gathering of judicial officers at the 22nd Biennial State-Level Conference of Judicial Officers , themed “Reimagining the Judiciary in the Era of Artificial Intelligence” , organised by the Karnataka State Judicial Officers Association in Bengaluru , Chief Justice of India Surya Kant delivered a clear and timely message: do not fear AI - but do not trust it blindly either .

Framing technology as a powerful assistant rather than a decision-maker , the Chief Justice highlighted how AI can significantly improve efficiency within the justice system. From streamlining case management and organising vast legal records to assisting in research and data analysis , AI tools can reduce the administrative burden that often consumes valuable judicial time. With proper training, he noted, judges can harness these tools to focus more sharply on their core responsibility delivering justice.

Yet, beneath the promise lies a caution. Justice Kant underscored that AI operates on algorithms and patterns , not on human values. It lacks the ability to interpret ethical dilemmas, social realities, and constitutional morality elements that are central to judicial decision-making. “Judging is not merely analytical,” he stressed, “it is reflective, contextual, and guided by values.”

A growing concern is the phenomenon of AI “hallucinations,” where systems generate fabricated case laws, incorrect citations, or misleading legal arguments . Such inaccuracies are not trivial errors; they pose a direct threat to the credibility and integrity of the judicial process . If left unchecked, they could distort legal outcomes and erode public trust.

The Chief Justice also warned against the misuse of AI in drafting frivolous or deceptive pleadings , which could further burden an already strained judicial system. In this evolving landscape, he asserted, the responsibility of ensuring accuracy, fairness, and authenticity must remain firmly with human judges.

Reaffirming a foundational principle, Justice Kant emphasised that justice is, and must remain, a human endeavour shaped by experience, reasoning, and moral judgment. As courts adapt to technological change, the challenge lies in striking a delicate balance: embracing innovation while preserving the human conscience at the heart of justice .