The 22nd Biennial State Level Conference of Judicial Officers in Karnataka had an in-depth discussion on the topic of reimagining the judiciary in the age of AI. During this, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, while giving the inaugural address, stressed the need for introspection and change in the judicial system. During this, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that there is a dire need to improve access to the Supreme Court of the country. Establishing a bench of the Supreme Court in South India will go a long way in ensuring justice.
CJI Surya Kant said that there come such important moments in the life of any organization when it has to stop and evaluate itself. This pause is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of responsibility. Today, the judiciary is going through a transitional period, where not only legislative reforms or doctrinal developments, but also technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and changing expectations of society are deeply influencing the administration of justice. CJI Surya Kant said, "I would also like to say that you should not panic about AI. When you come across a case that involves very complex facts and complex questions of law, what do you do? While taking decisions in such cases, a person thinks more deeply, remains patient and when the decision is finally taken, he also feels a sense of satisfaction."
He said that the challenges facing the judiciary are beyond traditional boundaries. The need of the hour is to make judicial processes more transparent, accessible and effective in the digital age. The use of advanced technologies like AI can speed up judicial functioning, but it also requires serious consideration of issues like ethics, privacy and fairness. This conference may have been organized for the judicial officers of Karnataka, but the issues and possibilities raised in it are equally relevant for the judicial system of the entire country.
CJI Surya Kant said that the challenges of the judicial structure are almost similar in different states of India, hence such discussions can provide important direction at the national level. Describing Karnataka as a leading state, he said that this state has often been guiding new initiatives due to its institutional dynamism and openness towards innovation. The experiments and improvements taking place here can become an inspiration for other states also. He expressed confidence that the outcomes emerging from this conference will play an important role in strengthening and modernizing the judicial processes not only in Karnataka but across India.
