The relationship between law and technology in India is undergoing a defining transformation that is set to reshape the very foundations of judicial functioning.Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant possibility, it is gradually becoming a silent yet significant partner in the everyday workings of Indian courts. At a time when the judiciary is burdened with an enormous backlog of cases and growing demands for transparency and fairness, the introduction of AI represents more than just a technological advancement. It marks a paradigm shift in how justice is conceived, delivered, and experienced in the modern era.
This transformation began in earnest with the eCourts Mission Mode Project, a visionary initiative that digitized millions of judicial records and enabled online case tracking, scheduling, and documentation. What started as a digitization drive has evolved into the integration of intelligent systems that can assist with complex tasks. The Supreme Court’s adoption of the SUPACE portal and the experimental use of tools like ChatGPT in various high courts demonstrate the judiciary’s openness to innovation. Furthermore, translation tools such as SUVAS are breaking long-standing language barriers, making the legal system more inclusive for India’s linguistically diverse population. Together, these developments point toward a judiciary that is becoming more accessible and in tune with the needs of citizens across the nation.
Among the most thought-provoking developments is the idea of AI-assisted judges, particularly for managing minor offences or administrative cases. Although this concept might seem radical, there are persuasive arguments in its favour. AI-driven decision systems can handle large volumes of routine cases efficiently, ensuring consistency in judgments and allowing human judges to focus on complex matters that require interpretation, empathy, and moral judgment. In India, where lower courts are overwhelmed by millions of petty casessuch as traffic violations and document-related disputesAI could serve as an invaluable support mechanism. Automated, rule-based decision-making could help clear the backlog and restore efficiency to the judicial process.
However, this growing reliance on AI also brings with it serious concerns. Judicial impartiality is not just a virtue of the system, it is a constitutional obligation. Dependence on algorithms and predictive data can risk embedding historical biases into judicial outcomes, perpetuating existing inequalities. There have already been global instances of AI tools fabricating citations or generating false precedents, raising alarms about their reliability. The lack of transparency in AI’s decision-making process, often described as the “black box problem,” poses further challenges. If the reasoning behind an AI-assisted decision cannot be explained or scrutinized, it undermines a litigant’s right to appeal or question the verdict. No matter how advanced technology becomes, it cannot replicate the human capacity for empathy, context, and moral discernment that lies at the heart of justice.
The eCourts project, now in its third and most advanced phase, continues to serve as the digital backbone of India’s judicial modernization. Through initiatives such as the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), paperless courts, and virtual hearings, the Indian judiciary has become more transparent and accessible than ever before. Yet, AI integration within this system remains cautious and deliberate. At present, AI is primarily used to assist judges with administrative functions, translation, and legal research, rather than making decisions independently. The Supreme Court and several high courts have consistently emphasized the necessity of maintaining human oversight, ensuring that AI remains an assistant rather than a replacement for judicial reasoning.
The potential benefits of AI-assisted justice are undeniable. It can drastically reduce delays, streamline case management, and help judges make informed decisions through data analysis. It can also improve accessibility for marginalized communities by providing translation and documentation support. If implemented thoughtfully, AI has the power to make justice faster, more affordable, and more inclusive. However, these benefits can only be realized if accompanied by robust safeguards. Regular audits must be conducted to detect algorithmic bias, AI-generated recommendations must be explainable and contestable, and data privacy must be treated as a constitutional priority. Above all, there must be a rights-based framework that positions technology as a supportive tool rather than an autonomous authority.
Ultimately, the judiciary must remain the soul of justice. It must ensure that compassion, common sense, and fairness the human elements of laware never lost in the pursuit of efficiency. India stands today at a critical crossroads. The task is not to resist technological progress, but to channel it responsibly. With careful regulation, ethical vigilance, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity, India has the opportunity to build a judicial system that is not only faster and smarter but also more just and humane. The road ahead is challenging, yet it offers a remarkable chance to redefine justice for the digital age—one that truly fulfills the constitutional promise of justice for all.
Author Name- Devansh, ILC, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
