New Delhi: Courts must ensure that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the justice system supplements — and does not replace — human decision-making, a Supreme Court judge said on Thursday. “The challenge for institutions, including courts, is not whether to use AI but how to use it. Any use of AI within the justice system must be tested against constitutional principles of fairness, transparency and accountability,” Justice Sanjay Karol said while speaking as chief guest at a seminar titled Indian Law and AI Congress 2026, organised at the Delhi High Court. Justice Prathiba M Singh outlined several areas where AI could help reduce pendency, clear arrears and free judges for core judicial work. She said the judiciary could consider developing an “India Judicial Stack” to enable access to structured information. “Can we create a model to reduce pendency? We need technologies. AI can help in clubbing similar cases or dealing with Section 138 cheque bounce matters where one party has died. Or in cases of traffic challans and Negotiable Instruments Act that contribute significantly to pendency. With proper data analysis, AI can help reduce delays in criminal trials,” she said. Former SC judge Sanjay Kishan Kaul also supported integrating AI in judicial processes, noting that in many matters where the law is settled, technology can assist in faster disposal.
