AI In Contemporary Procedures Brings Forth Intricate Ethical & Legal Deliberations, Says CJI D Y Chandrachud

(Judicial Quest News Network)

The Chief Justice of India in his opening remarks at the Indo-Singapore Judicial Conference, stated that, we cannot avoid the question of using AI in court adjudication. The integration of AI in modern processes including court proceedings raises complex ethical, legal, and practical considerations that demand a thorough examination. The use of AI in court adjudication presents both opportunities and challenges that warrant nuanced deliberation.

The CJI said that the AI represent the next frontier of innovation, promising to revolutionize various domains with its ability to analyse vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make decisions with increasing autonomy and its use in courts presents both opportunities and challenges that warrant nuanced deliberations.

However, the CJI also raised a few cautionary flags stating that as we navigate the integration of AI into the legal domain, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in addressing the systematic challenges and ensuring that AI technologies serve to enhance, rather than undermine, the pursuit of justice for all, he said.

Referring to the use of AI technology, he said the Supreme Court of India introduced live transcription services, an initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility to legal information. This initiative has been particularly impactful in addressing linguistic diversity, as live transcription services translate judicial proceedings into 18 regional languages and Hindi, ensuring that legal information is accessible to citizens across India using AI termed as the Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software.

The CJI further said that the advancement of technology and AI is inevitable. It holds the potential to significantly change professions and make service delivery more accessible to people. In the field of law, this translates to the potential for AI to expedite and streamline justice delivery. The era of maintaining the status quo is behind us; it is time to embrace evolution within our profession and explore how we can harness the processing power of technology to its fullest within our institutions.

Referring to the instances where many courts of foreign jurisdictions tried using AI in the adjudication process and also Punjab and Haryana High Court which had once sought inputs from ChatGPT but did not rely upon them, the CJI said that it was a prime example of high-risk AI, given its inherently intrusive nature and potential for misuse.

The poor may find themselves relegated to inferior AI-driven assistance, while only affluent individuals or high-end law firms can effectively harness the capabilities of legal AI. Such a scenario risks widening the justice gap and perpetuating existing inequalities within the legal system, “he said.

He further emphasised on Judicial Dialogues and said Judicial dialogues indeed play a vital role in fostering cross-cultural exchange and mutual learning among different legal systems. India and Singapore share not only deep social, cultural, and economic ties but also a commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting access to justice. As two dynamic and rapidly evolving nations, both India and Singapore recognize the transformative potential of technology in modernizing their respective judicial systems.

He lauded Singapore’s emergence as a global technology and innovation hub, citing its adoption of cutting-edge initiative such as online dispute resolution platforms and electronic filing system.

 Singapore has positioned itself as a global hub for technology and innovation. With its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and robust legal framework, Singapore has attracted top talent and investment in the tech sector. Through initiatives like online dispute resolution platforms and electronic filing systems, Singapore is streamlining legal processes, reducing paperwork, and enhancing accessibility for citizens. Additionally, the Singapore International Commercial Court leverages technology to facilitate international dispute resolution, offering efficient and cost-effective solutions for resolving cross-border commercial disputes.

The CJI also praised India’s strides in leveraging technology to modernise its judiciary, particularly through initiatives like the e-Courts project.

India boasts a vibrant tech ecosystem and a rich legal heritage. With a population of over a billion people and a rapidly growing economy, India presents enormous opportunities in adopting technology within the judicial system. The e-Courts project, for instance, aims to computerize court processes, digitize case records, and establish online case management systems across all levels of the judiciary. By reducing administrative burdens and automating routine tasks, e-Courts enhance the speed and efficiency of legal proceedings, ultimately improving access to justice for all citizens.