The Future of Judiciary in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Insights from CJI DY Chandrachud

Embracing Technology in the Indian Judicial System

Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, recently highlighted the critical role of technology in the judiciary, emphasizing the need for judges to adapt to technological advancements for the benefit of litigants. Speaking at the National Conference on Digitisation in Odisha, he stressed that litigants should not suffer due to judges' discomfort with technology.

Hybrid Hearings and the Post-Pandemic Era

CJI Chandrachud urged High Courts to continue utilizing technology for hybrid hearings, a practice that became prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out that these technological facilities should not be limited to pandemic times but should be a regular feature of the judicial process.

The Challenge of Live Streaming and Social Media

The CJI also addressed the challenges arising from the live streaming of court proceedings. He mentioned a recent incident involving a video clip from the Patna High Court, which became a subject of social media attention. This incident underscores the need for a centralized cloud infrastructure for live streaming and new court hardware to manage the interplay between live streaming and social media effectively.

The Role of AI in Judiciary

While acknowledging the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the judiciary, CJI Chandrachud emphasized that judges' discretion remains paramount, especially in areas like sentencing policy. He recognized AI's possibilities but also noted the importance of human judgment in the judicial process.

The Supreme Court's Technological Initiatives

The Supreme Court of India has launched a new version of its e-filing portal and is engaging with lawyers and clerks to raise awareness and provide training. The CJI highlighted the need for a centralized cloud infrastructure for live streaming to address challenges posed by social media and to ensure the Supreme Court's accessibility to the entire country.

Conclusion

CJI DY Chandrachud's insights reflect a judiciary that is evolving with technology. While embracing AI and digital tools, there is a conscious effort to balance technological advancement with the indispensable human element of judicial discretion. The future of the Indian judiciary seems poised for a transformation, integrating technology while upholding the principles of justice.