AI can assist courts but cannot replace judges, says CJI Surya Kant
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized that artificial intelligence can aid judicial research and court operations but must not replace judges, during a plenary session in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. He highlighted the Supreme Court AI Committee’s draft regulations, released in June 2026, which establish safeguards and uphold human primacy in legal reasoning. Kant stressed that technology should expand access to justice without marginalizing vulnerable citizens or eroding confidence in the judiciary. He cited electronic filing, virtual hearings, and the SUVAS translation tool as key initiatives that have increased accessibility and reduced costs for litigants.
💡 Why It Matters
- · By codifying AI’s role, India sets a precedent for balancing innovation with judicial integrity, ensuring technology enhances rather than undermines the rule of law.