United Kingdom: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has said that the Supreme Court of India is rapidly adopting technology and artificial intelligence to strengthen judicial processes, while ensuring that the country’s legal system remains firmly rooted in Indian constitutional values and social realities.
Speaking at a lecture hosted by the Oxford Union and Oxford Law Society in the United Kingdom, Justice Kant outlined the judiciary’s vision for integrating technological advancements into the justice delivery system. Addressing the theme, “Constitutional Promise to Digital Reality: Safeguarding Justice in the Age of AI and Technological Advancement,” the CJI emphasised that technology should assist judicial reasoning rather than replace it.
He stressed that while the Supreme Court has embraced digital transformation, equal importance is being placed on developing what he described as a distinctly Indian or “Swadeshi Jurisprudence” that reflects the country’s constitutional framework, cultural diversity and institutional realities.
Technology as an aid, not a substitute
Justice Kant said the Supreme Court views technology as a tool that enhances efficiency and accessibility while preserving the independence of judicial decision-making.
According to the CJI, technological innovations are intended to support judges, lawyers and litigants by improving access to information and streamlining court procedures. However, he underlined that human judgment must remain at the centre of the judicial process.
Since assuming office as Chief Justice on November 24, 2025, Justice Kant has consistently advocated for a balanced approach to technological integration. He described technology as the modern “connective tissue” of the justice system but maintained that the underlying legal philosophy must remain grounded in India’s unique constitutional and social context.
The CJI noted that India’s judiciary faces challenges that differ significantly from those in many other jurisdictions, making it essential to develop solutions tailored to local realities rather than relying solely on imported technological models.
Focus on ‘Swadeshi Jurisprudence’
A key theme of Justice Kant’s address was the concept of “Swadeshi Jurisprudence,” which seeks to align technological progress with India’s constitutional principles and societal needs.
He argued that legal institutions must remain attentive to India’s linguistic diversity, socio-economic conditions and democratic values. According to the CJI, technological innovation should complement rather than dilute these foundational aspects of the justice system.
The emphasis on indigenous legal thinking reflects the judiciary’s broader effort to ensure that modernisation does not come at the expense of accessibility, fairness or constitutional integrity.
Justice Kant observed that while global technological developments offer valuable lessons, India’s legal system must ultimately evolve in a manner consistent with its own democratic traditions and public expectations.
SUVAS helping bridge language barriers
Highlighting efforts to improve access to justice, the CJI pointed to the development of SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software), an artificial intelligence-powered translation platform designed by the Supreme Court.
The software translates complex English judgments into multiple Indian languages, making legal information more accessible to citizens across the country.
Justice Kant said the initiative helps ensure that legal knowledge is not confined to a limited English-speaking audience and instead reaches people from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
According to him, the technology contributes to democratising access to justice by making judicial decisions understandable to a wider section of society.
He remarked that substantive law should belong to the public and not remain restricted within what he described as an elite linguistic monoculture.
Young legal professionals driving digital transformation
The Chief Justice also acknowledged the contribution of younger members of the legal fraternity in supporting the judiciary’s technological transition.
He praised young lawyers, judicial officers and legal researchers for their adaptability and willingness to engage with emerging technologies. Their openness to innovation, he said, has helped transform digitalisation from an institutional objective into a practical reality.
Justice Kant noted that the legal profession’s younger generation has demonstrated a strong ability to understand new technological tools while also recognising the ethical and operational challenges they may present.
Their participation has played a crucial role in the successful implementation of digital initiatives across courts at various levels.
Supreme Court developing AI regulatory framework
One of the most significant announcements in the lecture was the Supreme Court’s ongoing work on a regulatory framework for the use of artificial intelligence within the judicial system.
Justice Kant said the framework aims to establish clear principles governing the development, deployment and use of AI technologies in court processes.
The proposed framework includes several key safeguards. It seeks to ensure that AI remains subordinate to human judicial authority, operates in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law, and promotes fairness while avoiding discrimination.
The framework also calls for transparency and explainability in AI systems, accountability for decisions influenced by AI, regular audits to identify errors or biases, and compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Additional principles include limiting AI usage to approved purposes, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility, maintaining data integrity and protecting court information through robust cybersecurity measures.
Conclusion
Justice Surya Kant’s address at Oxford highlighted the Supreme Court’s commitment to embracing technological innovation while safeguarding constitutional values and judicial independence. As the judiciary develops a comprehensive framework for AI use, the emphasis remains on ensuring that technology enhances access to justice, promotes transparency and serves the public interest without compromising the human element at the heart of the legal system.