He emphasized that technology should remain a supportive tool, not a replacement, stating that the integration of Artificial Intelligence in the judicial process should be guided by a balance—utilizing its advantages to boost efficiency while diligently safeguarding the human intellect, experience, and constitutional conscience that are central to justice.
The Chief Justice made these remarks at the 22nd biennial state-level conference of judicial officers, themed ’Reimagining the Judiciary in the Era of Artificial Intelligence’, organized by the Karnataka State Judicial Officers Association.
“I want to stress that you should not fear AI. What do you do when confronted with a case involving complex facts and intricate legal questions? You think more deeply, take additional time, show greater patience, and feel a sense of fulfillment when resolving such cases,” Justice Kant remarked.
“The same will apply to AI tools when we begin using them thoughtfully and deliberately, ensuring that the judge within you remains autonomous and is not swayed by these technological instruments,” he added.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Supreme Court judges B V Nagarathna and Aravind Kumar, along with Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, Vibhu Bakhru, were among the attendees at the event.
Noting that the rise of AI brings both significant opportunities and serious challenges for the judiciary, the Chief Justice stated that, on one hand, AI has the capability to greatly enhance efficiency—by aiding in legal research, optimizing case management, organizing large datasets, and alleviating administrative burdens that often encroach on valuable judicial time.
“With structured and specialized training, judicial officers can efficiently utilize these tools to boost productivity, allowing more time and focus on the primary function of adjudication,” he noted.
However, he cautioned that adopting such technologies must be paired with a clear and conscious recognition of their inherent limitations.
“AI operates within patterns, algorithms, and existing datasets; it lacks human judgment and cannot engage with the ethical, social, and moral dimensions that are often crucial to judicial decision-making,” Justice Kant stated.
“The process of judging is not solely analytical—it is also reflective, contextual, and rooted in constitutional values. An excessive reliance on AI tools risks transforming this nuanced task into a mechanical output, thereby undermining the depth, independence, and integrity of judicial reasoning,” he elaborated.
Expressing concern over inaccuracies produced by such systems, he pointed out recent instances of fabricated precedents, erroneous citations, and completely fictitious legal propositions created by AI platforms.
“These so-called ‘hallucinations’ are not mere technical errors; they undermine the very foundation of the judicial process, which is built on accuracy, authenticity, and trust. If unaddressed, they could mislead, distort legal arguments, compromise adjudication quality, and skew outcomes,” he said.
Justice Kant further warned against the escalating misuse of AI tools to produce misleading pleadings, frivolous claims, or superficially convincing yet substantively flawed submissions.
“Such practices not only burden the judicial system but also detract from legitimate disputes that require immediate resolution. In an already pressured system, this adds an additional layer of complexity that must be taken seriously,” he stated.
Highlighting the crucial role of judicial officers in this evolving landscape, the Chief Justice asserted, “Technology should be approached with discernment, not blind faith.” Any material generated through AI must undergo thorough scrutiny and independent validation, he said, affirming, “The duty to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and fairness cannot be assigned to a machine. It remains an essential and non-negotiable aspect of judicial responsibility.” He stressed that as we navigate this changing environment, it is vital to reaffirm a foundational principle—that justice is, and must always be, a human endeavor.
“It is shaped by reasoning, guided by values, and enriched by experience, and no technological advancement can replicate the intuitive understanding and moral judgment that are central to judicial decision-making,” he asserted.
The Chief Justice noted that the future of the judiciary will hinge on its capacity to adapt without sacrificing its core identity.
This demands ongoing learning, reflection, and a commitment to excellence, he added.
“We are at a pivotal moment of transition, where the choices we make will shape the judiciary’s path for years ahead. While our tools and methods may change, our fundamental responsibility remains constant—to deliver justice that is fair, accessible, and humane,” he stated.
Emphasizing that there are critical moments in the life of an institution when introspection is essential, the Chief Justice remarked that the time for the Indian judiciary to pause and reflect has arrived.
A moment comes when it must stop—not out of fear, but out of duty,” he concluded.
