CJI Advocates for AI in Legal Profession: A Tool, Not a Threat.
Last Updated on August 10, 2024 by NewsDesk SLC
In a major step towards the legal reforms of India, CJI DY Chandrachud has endorsed artificial intelligence for changing the legal industry. While addressing the National Conference on Court Technology in Chandigarh, CJI Chandrachud painted a picture of how AI will complement human talent and expertise to revolutionize the practice of law.
The CJI made it clear that it is essential to perceive AI not as an opponent but as a valuable ally. He equated it to previous cases of changes in the legal Industry arguing that the technological advancement would complement the changes and enhance legal processes together with keeping key legal qualities. The positivity in his statement is designed to counteract any apprehensions legal professionals might have regarding the use of AI.
CJI also explained the application of AI to tasks such as cases, research, filing matters on record, due diligence, etc. Subsequently, other time-consuming jobs which are involved in preparing for a court case can as well be carried out by AI freeing up the lawyers’ time for tasks like designing of the legal strategies and offering personalized services to the clients. This change is expected to improve the quality of work produced by lawyers besides enhancing the delivery of justice services to citizens.
But the CJI was quite clear that one had to draw the line somewhere. He was insistent to clarify that tasks involving intricate legal reasoning and innovative solutions would continue to demand human thinking. This distinction highlights that while AI is growing in influence in the legal field, human intelligence still remains key.
At the present time, the Supreme Court is already using several AI’s integration as a plus factor. CJI Chandrachud described AI-produced transcription of Constitutional bench hearings as a resource that is highly useful to the lawyers, researchers, and judges. But in any case, this evolution does not only enhance the clarity of the courts’ work and increase accountability but it also serves as the background and framework for analysing future significant judgments.
In addition to increasing efficiency, technology is assisting in filling disparities in the rich legal milieu of India. Supreme Court’s Vidhik Anuvaad Software (SUVAS) is translating its judgments in regional languages and thus, making court order more understandable. This initiative falls with the contemporary overarching goal of employing technology to extend access to justice.
Thus, in the era of huge legal technological transformations, CJI Chandrachud’s progressive vision is inspiring. The opportunities of effective functioning of the tech-supported judiciary with the focus on human factors offer some promising developmental trends in the legal profession in India. The current situation shows that the top judge endorsing AI puts India’s legal system to deliver the country on the information technology revolution.
Written By: Amit Kumar Patra
