AI can’t replace human judgment: CJI Surya Kant on tech in judiciary
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated at Oxford Union that while AI enhances efficiency in the judiciary, it cannot replace human judgment, emphasizing the need for empathy and ethical reasoning. He praised young legal professionals in India for driving technological adoption in the legal system, though AI lacks contextual understanding and moral discernment.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant addressed the Oxford Union on June 7, 2026, discussing the integration of artificial intelligence in the judiciary. He acknowledged that young lawyers, judicial officers, and legal professionals are accelerating technological reforms within India’s legal system, adapting quickly to innovations like AI-driven tools. Kant highlighted AI’s ability to process vast amounts of legal text rapidly, identifying procedural trends and streamlining administrative tasks with precision. However, he warned that AI lacks the human qualities essential to justice—empathy, ethical reasoning, and contextual understanding—describing it as 'blind' to these aspects. Speaking at the event titled 'Constitutional Promise to Digital Reality: Safeguarding Justice in the Age of AI and Technological Advancement,' the CJI emphasized that technology should supplement, not replace, human judgment. He noted that while AI can improve efficiency, it cannot replicate the nuanced decision-making required in legal proceedings. Advocate Tanvi Dubey opened the session, underscoring the theme’s relevance amid India’s digital transformation. Kant’s remarks reflect broader concerns about balancing technological progress with the ethical foundations of justice.
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