Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Thursday said that while artificial intelligence is transforming the justice delivery system, the responsibility of interpreting the law and ensuring justice will always remain with human judges.
Addressing the NXT Conclave 2026, organised by ITV Network at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Chief Justice emphasised that technology should support the judiciary but cannot replace the human conscience and reasoning that underpin the rule of law.
The Chief Justice was welcomed at the summit by Rajya Sabha MP and NXT founder Kartikeya Sharma, who said India’s judiciary is undergoing a “silent revolution” driven by technology. He noted that digital systems are helping bridge socio-economic gaps and improving access to justice for citizens across the country.
Speaking on the theme “Law and Justice in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Beyond”, Justice Surya Kant used the metaphor of a river to describe the evolving nature of law. He said that while laws, rules and procedures may change continuously like flowing water, the fundamental principle of justice—much like the riverbed—remains constant and continues to guide the legal system.
He pointed out that throughout history societies have sought to anchor law in enduring forms. Ancient legal traditions such as the Code of Hammurabi were inscribed on stone to symbolise permanence and authority. In India, classical texts such as the Dharmashastras and the Arthashastra viewed law as part of a broader moral and social order. At the time, however, legal knowledge remained largely confined to a limited group of scholars and scribes who possessed literacy.
The invention of the printing press marked a major turning point in the development of legal systems. By making books and legal texts widely available, printing expanded access to knowledge and gradually helped democratise awareness of rights and legal processes. This shift demonstrated that law is not a static concept but a dynamic institution that evolves with the needs of society.
Justice Surya Kant said the legal system is now witnessing another major transformation as it moves from paper-based processes to digital platforms and technological tools. In India, initiatives such as the e-Courts Project and the National Judicial Data Grid have significantly modernised judicial administration through electronic filing, digital case tracking and improved transparency in court data.
Technology, he said, has enhanced efficiency within courts and among legal professionals while also expanding access to justice for ordinary citizens. The increasing use of virtual hearings by courts, including the Supreme Court, High Courts and district courts, has helped reduce geographical barriers and logistical challenges, allowing litigants to participate in proceedings without travelling long distances.
He noted that millions of virtual hearings have already been conducted, benefiting particularly marginalised groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities and individuals from remote areas.
Justice Surya Kant also highlighted the judiciary’s growing use of artificial intelligence tools. Among them is SUAS, an AI-powered translation software developed by the Supreme Court, which translates complex judgments into multiple regional languages so citizens can read court decisions in their mother tongue. He also referred to new initiatives such as Digital Courts 2.1 and advanced legal research systems designed to help judges analyse large volumes of legal material more efficiently.
At the same time, the Chief Justice cautioned that artificial intelligence presents serious challenges. He warned about the “black box problem”, where algorithms may produce answers without clearly explaining the reasoning behind them. In a legal system that depends on transparent and reasoned judgments, such opacity could undermine public trust.
He also referred to instances where lawyers have cited AI-generated precedents that do not actually exist, describing such conduct as serious professional misconduct.
Justice Surya Kant stressed that justice cannot be reduced to a computational output. While artificial intelligence can assist in legal research, data processing and administrative tasks, it lacks the human understanding, empathy and ethical judgement required for fair adjudication.
Concluding his remarks, he said the future of law will depend on maintaining a careful balance between technological advancement and enduring legal values. Artificial intelligence may strengthen the functioning of courts, he said, but the ultimate responsibility for interpreting the law and safeguarding justice will always remain with human judges. The address formed part of the opening day discussions at NXT Summit 2026, where global leaders, policymakers, jurists and innovators gathered to examine the evolving relationship between technology, governance and the future of justice.