Supreme Court judge B V Nagarathna has cautioned that judicial independence in the modern era must extend beyond protection from external pressures to also include freedom from algorithmic influence, amid the growing use of artificial intelligence in legal systems.

Speaking at the 22nd Biennial State-Level Conference of Judicial Officers in Bengaluru, organised by the Karnataka State Judicial Officers Association under the theme “Reimagining the Judiciary in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” Justice Nagarathna warned against excessive reliance on AI in judicial decision-making. She stressed that while technology can assist the justice system, it must never replace human reasoning.

She underlined that the principle of the rule of law remains the foundation of the judiciary and must remain unchanged despite technological advancements. According to her, the judiciary’s core values are rooted in fairness, equality, and accountability, which cannot be compromised by automated systems or algorithm-driven processes.

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Justice Nagarathna emphasised that artificial intelligence should function only as a supporting tool, aiding efficiency in administrative and procedural tasks, but not influencing or determining judicial outcomes. She said that the essence of adjudication must always rest with human judges applying constitutional principles and legal reasoning.

She further warned that overdependence on AI systems could subtly shape judicial thinking and affect cognitive independence. In her view, judicial independence must now be understood in a broader sense, including protection from technological and algorithmic biases that may influence decision-making processes.

At the same time, she acknowledged the potential benefits of AI, particularly in improving access to justice and reducing delays in legal proceedings. However, she cautioned that efficiency alone cannot define justice, which also requires empathy, context, and an understanding of human circumstances.

Justice Nagarathna highlighted the high stakes involved in judicial decisions, noting that errors in the justice system can have serious consequences on life, liberty, and dignity. She said this makes it essential that any technological integration in courts be approached with great caution and responsibility.

Concluding her address, she reiterated that while artificial intelligence may assist the judiciary in various ways, the ultimate responsibility of decision-making must always remain with human judges, ensuring that justice continues to be grounded in constitutional values and human judgment.

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