The Integration and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Indian Judiciary

By Md. Arif Imam

Published on: January 1, 2024 at 10:03 IST

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is significantly transforming India’s judicial system. AI’s integration into the judiciary is addressing the critical issue of case backlogs and inefficiencies by streamlining routine tasks such as case management, scheduling, and legal research. Tools like SUPACE and SUVAS are instrumental in this transformation. SUPACE assists in judicial decision-making by providing relevant information, while SUVAS focuses on breaking language barriers through document translation.

The implementation of AI was notably accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a shift to virtual hearings and online dispute resolution methods. This shift proved not just a temporary solution but a step towards a lasting transformation in the legal domain, making it more efficient, transparent, and accessible.

India’s Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud has been pivotal in promoting this technological integration, emphasizing the need for the legal system to adapt to modern demands. The use of AI in transcribing Supreme Court hearings, starting with the Maharashtra political controversy case, marks a significant advancement.

However, the adoption of AI also brings challenges and ethical considerations, primarily related to potential biases in AI algorithms and the need for transparency. Ensuring AI’s fairness and lack of bias is crucial. Rules and guidelines are necessary to regulate AI’s application in legal proceedings, ensuring it supports rather than replaces human judgment.

AI’s role in the Indian judiciary is transformative, promising to enhance the system’s efficiency and accessibility. This ongoing integration aims to better serve the nation’s needs in a digital era, balancing technological advancement with ethical and legal considerations.

AI in the Digitalized Era

In today’s digitalized era, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as one of the most groundbreaking technological advancements. AI, at its core, involves creating computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include learning from data, recognizing patterns, making decisions, and even understanding natural language.

The origin of AI traces back to the mid-20th century, but it’s in recent years that its capabilities have expanded exponentially, thanks to advancements in computing power, data availability, and machine learning algorithms.

How AI Works

AI works by processing large amounts of data through sophisticated algorithms. These algorithms allow the AI to learn from patterns and features in the data. Over time, as the system processes more data, its ability to make accurate predictions or decisions improves, essentially ‘learning’ from its experiences.

In the current age, AI is transforming various sectors, from healthcare to finance, and now, significantly, the legal domain. It offers unprecedented efficiency, speed, and insights that were previously unattainable. In the legal context, AI is revolutionizing how legal professionals work, how cases are handled, and how judicial systems operate.

AI in the Indian Judiciary

India’s judiciary is currently facing a significant burden due to the increasing number of cases. Additionally, there is a growing demand for transparency within the system. Recognizing these challenges, the judiciary has identified the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative too.

The tenure of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud has been particularly notable for embracing technological advancements in the judiciary. His proactive approach, emphasizing the need for high Courts to facilitate access to video conferencing and online submissions, marks a significant step toward modernizing the Indian legal system. These initiatives reflect a clear understanding that technology is not just a convenience but a necessity in today’s judiciary.

Judges Opinion on AI

• The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, has urged judges to adopt technology for the advantage of those involved in legal cases. He emphasized that litigants shouldn’t suffer due to judges’ discomfort with technological tools. Addressing the audience at the National Conference on Digitisation in Odisha, on May 6, 2023, the CJI emphasized the importance of maintaining technological practices like hybrid hearings in High Courts, highlighting that these should not be limited to the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• On Constitution Day, November 29, 2019, a gathering headed by President Ram Nath Kovind, Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde emphasized the significance of artificial intelligence. He pointed out that AI could play a crucial role in eliminating repetitive tasks that are not related to judicial decision-making. Chief Justice Bobde also mentioned that AI’s ability to translate languages would make court processes more understandable to the general public.[2]
• Former Justice L. Nageswara Rao, who previously led the Supreme Court’s AI Committee, had stated that Artificial Intelligence would be utilized for administrative functions to accelerate the justice delivery process.[3]

Start of Virtual Hearings and Online Dispute Resolution in Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it pushed the Indian judiciary to quickly embrace virtual hearings and online dispute resolution methods. This change wasn’t just about dealing with the pandemic. It was also about making a smart move for the future, aiming for better efficiency and easier access to justice.

During the lockdowns, Courts couldn’t function normally. But thanks to virtual hearings, they could keep working. Judges, lawyers, and clients started meeting online, which kept the wheels of justice turning. This wasn’t just a temporary fix. It showed a new way of doing things in the legal world, a way that could keep helping even after the pandemic.

This shift to virtual platforms has many advantages. For one, it makes the whole legal process quicker. People don’t need to travel to Court, which saves time and money. It’s also easier for everyone involved. Lawyers can manage more cases, and clients find it less intimidating and more convenient.

Another big plus is how it opens up the Court system to more people. In a big country like India, traveling to a Courthouse can be hard for many. But with online hearings, anyone with an internet connection can be part of the legal process. This is a big step in making justice more accessible to everyone.

The pandemic has been tough, but it has also given the Indian legal system a chance to change for the better. By moving hearings and dispute resolution online, the judiciary has not just solved a temporary problem. It has started a shift that could make justice faster, more efficient, and more accessible for years to come.

The Impact of Technology on Transparency and Efficiency

The integration of technology has had a profound impact on the transparency and efficiency of the Indian judiciary. The live streaming of Court proceedings is a prime example, offering the public a window into the judicial process and thereby bolstering trust in the system. The Madras High Court, leveraging technology, recorded exceptional case clearance rates in 2020 and 2021. These figures not only surpass those of other high Courts but also demonstrate the tangible benefits of technological adoption in the judiciary.

The Role of AI in Streamlining Case Management and Legal Research

AI is making big changes in how legal cases are managed and researched. It’s like having a smart assistant that can sort out and schedule cases, making the whole process faster and easier.

• Speeding Up Case Handling: AI helps in sorting cases by importance or category, and setting up schedules for hearings. Imagine a huge pile of files and documents – AI can go through these quickly, organizing them in a way that makes sense. This means cases can be dealt with more quickly, helping to clear backlogs.
• Assisting in Legal Research: When it comes to legal research, AI is like a super-fast reader that can go through mountains of documents in no time. It can find relevant information, cases, and precedents, which helps judges and lawyers understand each case better. This support is crucial for making well-informed legal decisions.
• SUPACE and SUVAS: Leading the Way: In India, initiatives like SUPACE (Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court’s Efficiency) and SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software) are great examples of AI in action. SUPACE helps judges by providing relevant information and research, making their workload more manageable. SUVAS, on the other hand, focuses on translating judicial documents, breaking language barriers in the legal process. These initiatives show how AI can be a powerful tool in the Indian judiciary, improving how the legal system works.

By using AI in these ways, the Indian judiciary is not only making its processes faster but also more efficient and accurate. This helps in dealing with the large number of cases and ensures that the legal system works smoothly for everyone involved.

AI-Enabled Transcription in Supreme Court Hearings

On February 21, 2023, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud of India has implemented an innovative approach in the Supreme Court by introducing AI for transcribing hearings. This significant move led to the Supreme Court’s official publication of transcripts from Constitution Bench proceedings. The Court embarked on live transcription of hearings using AI technology, marking a historic moment. This initiative was first used during the live proceedings of the constitution bench hearing concerning the Maharashtra political controversy. The AI technology utilized for this purpose was developed by Technology Enabled Resolution (TERES), a start-up based in Bangalore.[1]

Global Perspectives on AI in Judiciary

• AI in the US Legal System: The USA’s adoption of AI in its legal system demonstrates a commitment to leveraging technology for enhancing judicial efficiency. AI tools like COMPAS (Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Solutions) are being used for tasks such as data collection, risk assessment, and decision support. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots are being employed to provide information to the public, easing the workload on Court staff and improving public access to legal information.
• China’s Smart Court System: China has been at the forefront of integrating AI into its judicial system. Its ‘Smart Court’ initiative, dating back to 1990, has significantly reduced the workload of judges by aiding in case analysis and decision-making. This advanced use of technology in the judiciary is indicative of China’s approach to modernizing its legal system and streamlining judicial processes.
• The UK’s Digital Case System: The UK Ministry of Justice introduced the Digital Case System in 2020 for the crown Courts. It offers real-time case updates and remote Court participation and allows for the digital submission of evidence to reduce paper usage. The Bar Council’s Ethics Committee provides?guidelines?for criminal law barristers accessing the online portal.[4]

Challenges and Ethical Considerations in AI Adoption

While AI brings numerous benefits to the judiciary, it also presents challenges and ethical dilemmas. The use of algorithms in judicial processes, such as bail decisions and sentencing in the US, raises concerns about potential biases. There have been instances where these systems reportedly showed biases against certain racial groups, leading to unfair outcomes. This highlights the critical need for oversight and transparency in the deployment of AI within the judicial system.

Addressing Biases and Ensuring Fairness

One of the key challenges in implementing AI in the judiciary is ensuring the technology is free from inherent biases. AI systems learn from data, and if this data is biased, the AI’s decisions can perpetuate existing inequalities. Therefore, it is essential to critically examine the data used to train AI systems and implement robust measures to prevent biased outcomes.

Creating Rules for AI in the Legal System

As AI becomes more common in Courts, it’s important to have clear rules to make sure it’s used fairly and ethically. These rules are like guidelines that ensure AI helps the legal system without causing any harm or unfairness.

• Making Sure AI is Fair and Ethical: AI is powerful, but it must be used in a way that respects everyone’s rights. The rules should make sure that AI does not favour one group over another and that its decisions are transparent and can be understood.
• Building Trust in AI: People need to trust the AI used in Courts. This trust comes from knowing that there are strong rules in place that keep AI in check. Organizations like the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy are stressing how important these rules are. They help everyone feel more confident that the AI is working in a fair and just way.
• What Should These Rules Cover: These rules should cover how AI is made and used. They should ensure that the data used to train AI is unbiased and represents everyone fairly. The rules should also make it clear how AI’s decisions are made, so that there’s no mystery about how it reaches its conclusions.
• Keeping an Eye on AI: Once AI is being used, it’s important to keep checking that it’s working as it should. This means regularly testing and reviewing the AI to make sure it’s not biased and that it’s being as helpful as possible.

AI’s Role in Transforming India’s Judicial System

India’s judiciary, currently overburdened with over 4.32 crore pending cases. By introducing AI tools in Judiciary, routine tasks such as organizing case files, scheduling hearings, and even preliminary legal research can be accelerated. This approach allows judges to concentrate on the critical aspects of adjudication, thereby accelerating the resolution of cases.

AI’s impact extends beyond just speeding up processes. It introduces a level of accessibility previously unattainable. For instance, the SUVAS tool, which translates legal documents into various Indian languages, breaks down language barriers, making the legal system more approachable for a diverse population. This inclusivity is a step towards a more equitable judicial system.

The slow judicial process in India not only affects individuals awaiting justice but also has far-reaching implications on the economy and social order. Delays in the legal system can deter investments and hinder economic growth. By integrating AI, the judiciary can stimulate economic progress and uphold the rule of law more effectively, ensuring societal stability.

The Supreme Court’s adoption of AI tools like SUPACE, which aids in information processing for judicial decisions, marks the beginning of a new era in judicial proceedings. It’s important to note that these tools support decision-making without directly influencing the outcome.

In practical terms, AI’s application was evident in the Jaswinder Singh v. State of Punjab case. The judge’s request for ChatGPT’s insights on bail laws in cases involving cruelty demonstrates AI’s potential as a consultative tool, offering broader perspectives without dictating judicial decisions[5].

Continuous Development and Ethical Considerations

As AI becomes more integrated into the Indian judiciary, continuous monitoring and development of these tools are crucial. Ensuring they align with ethical standards and judicial fairness is paramount. This involves addressing potential biases, maintaining transparency, and safeguarding against misuse.

AI’s integration into the Indian judiciary is a transformative movement, poised to address longstanding challenges of pendency and inefficiency. It promises not only to speed up the justice delivery but also to enhance its quality and accessibility. However, this technological journey must be navigated with careful consideration of ethical and legal implications, ensuring that AI serves as a tool for justice, not a replacement for judicial wisdom.

Conclusion

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into India’s judicial system is a significant step forward. It addresses the issue of case backlogs by making routine tasks like case management and legal research more efficient. AI tools, such as SUPACE for judicial decision support and SUVAS for language translation, are not just about speed; they also make the legal system more accessible and fairer for India’s diverse population.

The move towards AI in the judiciary, accelerated by the necessity of virtual hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic, is not just a temporary solution but a lasting transformation. It promises a more efficient and transparent judicial process, essential for both the justice system and the economy.

However, as we embrace this technological shift, we must remain mindful of the ethical aspects. Ensuring AI’s fairness, transparency, and lack of bias is vital. AI in the judiciary is a powerful tool to support, not replace, human judgment, aiming to make justice more accessible and efficient for everyone. This journey of incorporating AI is about enhancing the capabilities of the Indian judicial system to better serve the nation’s needs in a modern, digital world.