AI Can Assist Justice Delivery, But Cannot Decide Cases: CJI

The Chief Justice of India, Justice B.R. Gavai, has said that the justice delivery system must remain fundamentally a human endeavour, even as artificial intelligence can play an important supporting role in improving the functioning of courts.

 

Speaking during a meeting with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Russia, Igor Krasnov, in Moscow, the CJI said that artificial intelligence may assist judges, but it cannot replace judicial decision-making or the exercise of judicial discretion.

 

Justice Gavai observed that if technology enhances the capacity of courts, the real test lies in how effectively those capabilities are used. He said institutions may evolve and technology may change, bringing new opportunities as well as fresh challenges, but the central objective of courts must always remain the same: to preserve public trust in justice.

 

According to him, AI can help in organising information, assisting in translation and simplifying administrative processes. It can also support judges by making court management more efficient and reducing procedural burdens. However, the CJI made it clear that AI cannot determine facts, assess the credibility of witnesses or decide cases on merits.

 

He emphasised that judicial decisions require human judgment, constitutional understanding, empathy, legal reasoning and discretion. These elements cannot be delegated to a machine. While technology can improve access, speed and efficiency, the responsibility of delivering justice must remain with human judges.

 

The CJI’s remarks are significant at a time when courts across the world are exploring the use of artificial intelligence in judicial systems. AI-based tools are increasingly being discussed for case management, translation of documents, legal research, transcription, classification of matters and administrative assistance.

 

Justice Gavai indicated that the use of AI in courts must be carefully balanced. It should help the judicial system become more accessible and efficient, but it should not weaken the human character of justice. The role of technology should be supportive, not decisive.

 

He also underlined the need to maintain people’s confidence in the judiciary. Public faith, he said, depends not only on faster disposal of cases but also on fairness, transparency and reasoned decision-making. Any use of technology must therefore strengthen justice rather than create doubts about it.

 

The statement reflects a cautious but forward-looking approach towards the integration of artificial intelligence in the legal system. It recognises the potential of AI to improve court functioning, while drawing a clear line between technological assistance and judicial authority.

 

The CJI’s message is that artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool for the judiciary, but the final responsibility of deciding cases must remain with judges. In matters of justice, technology may assist, but human wisdom, accountability and discretion must continue to guide the courts.