Justice must be closer: Siddaramaiah revives demand for Supreme Court bench in South India

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday strongly advocated the need to improve access to the country’s highest court, stressing that establishing a Supreme Court bench in South India would make justice more reachable for millions.

Speaking at the 22nd Biennial State Level Conference of Judicial Officers in Bengaluru, themed Reimagining the Judiciary in the era of Artificial Intelligence , he said the justice system must evolve, but without losing its human core.

He noted that judicial independence remains the foundation of democracy , warning that it must be protected not only from external pressure but also from overdependence on technology. “The authority of a judge must never be overshadowed by the authority of an algorithm,” he said.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the growing burden of case pendency , calling it a serious challenge that affects timely justice. While acknowledging that technology can assist in faster legal processes, he said real reform requires stronger infrastructure, improved judicial capacity, and modernised court systems.

Turning to artificial intelligence, Siddaramaiah described it as a powerful but complex force shaping the legal world. He pointed to both its benefits, such as faster legal research and better case management, and its risks, including algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and threats to fair decision making .

He also raised concerns over AI generated evidence , including deepfakes and synthetic data, saying courts will increasingly need to redefine what is considered authentic and reliable in a digital era.

Despite these concerns, he said technology like AI assisted legal research and blockchain based records could strengthen the justice system if used responsibly.

Siddaramaiah concluded that while innovation is necessary, no machine can replace human conscience, empathy, and moral reasoning , which remain central to justice.