Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai has stated that technology should support and not replace the human mind in judicial decision-making. Speaking at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, during a keynote address on “Role of Technology in the Indian Legal System,” Justice Gavai emphasized that human discretion, empathy, and judicial interpretation are vital and irreplaceable.
Read also: Supreme Court issues notice to Haryana Govt on plea alleging sexual harassment and assault of woman
“The value of discretion, empathy and judicial interpretation is irreplaceable,”
— CJI B R Gavai
He stressed that while the judiciary welcomes innovations like automated cause lists, digital kiosks, and virtual assistants, these tools must function with proper human oversight, ethical standards, and robust training.
Justice Gavai highlighted that India is capable of building ethical, homegrown frameworks rooted in constitutional values, and that these systems should uphold equality, dignity, and justice.
“Technology must complement, not replace, the human mind in judicial decision-making. The emphasis must always be on using technology to enhance trust and transparency—never to replace the human conscience at the heart of justice,”
— CJI B R Gavai
He pointed out that while tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) are being integrated into various aspects of the judiciary—including case management, document translation, and legal research—there must be caution. Globally, ethical concerns like algorithmic bias, data manipulation, and breach of confidentiality are actively debated.
Justice Gavai cited examples where AI systems have produced fabricated citations or biased outcomes, stressing that sensitive data, such as the identity of crime victims, must not be compromised.
“Technology, if anchored in constitutionalism and empathy, can transform access to justice from an abstract ideal into a lived and shared reality,”
— CJI B R Gavai
He called for a people-centric, inclusive approach in adopting technology, ensuring that digital tools serve every citizen regardless of geography, language, income, or digital literacy.
Justice Gavai concluded by underscoring that access to justice is a shared responsibility, not just of the judiciary, but also law schools, civil society, legal aid institutions, and governments.
“Law schools, civil society, legal-aid institutions and governments must work in unison to develop and promote technological models that are accessible, transparent and inclusive,”
— CJI B R Gavai
Meanwhile, speaking at another event jointly organized by the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and Trilegal during the London International Disputes Week, Justice Gavai touched upon the growing relevance of arbitration in India’s legal landscape.
“Justice, particularly in complex commercial disputes, need not be adversarial or bureaucratic. Rather, it must be confidential, expert-driven and tailored to the needs of those who seek it,”
— CJI B R Gavai
Read also: Supreme Court: Accused can voluntarily undergo narco-analysis test only with court's permission
He acknowledged that over the past 10-15 years, India has made strong progress in creating a favorable environment for arbitration. Legislative reforms and proactive judicial attitudes have strengthened India’s arbitration framework.
“The Indian judiciary has and will continue to recognise and respect the autonomy of the arbitral process, ensuring that the courts step in only when demanded by the needs of justice,”
— CJI B R Gavai
Commenting on the 7th edition of the SIAC Rules, he said these are aimed at improving efficiency and fairness. For India, these rules offer a dual path—to align with international best practices while also adapting them to Indian realities.
