Bengaluru | March 22, 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath on Sunday highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the judiciary, while firmly stating that technology cannot replace judges or their decision-making responsibilities. Speaking at a conference organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association in Bengaluru, he addressed global perspectives on judicial governance and the evolving role of AI in courts.

Justice Nath noted that AI can significantly assist in legal research, data collection, and improving overall efficiency in judicial processes. However, he emphasised that it cannot substitute the trained legal mind or the ethical responsibility that judges carry. “Technology may help in drafting and organising information, but it cannot replace the human judgment that is essential in delivering justice,” he said.

He further explained that judicial decision-making is not based on fixed formulas but requires careful evaluation of facts, context, and human circumstances. Highlighting this complexity, he pointed out that even cases under the same law can lead to different outcomes depending on their unique details. For instance, in cases involving multiple accused, a judge may grant bail to some while denying it to others something AI cannot fully comprehend or replicate.

While acknowledging the benefits of AI in enhancing transparency and access to justice, Justice Nath also cautioned against its potential risks. He urged the legal community to adopt technology responsibly, ensuring that the core values of fairness, ethics, and human judgment remain at the centre of the judicial system.

 AI Can Support Courts but Not Replace Human Judgment: Justice Vikram Nath

Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath on Sunday highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the judiciary, while firmly stating that technology cannot replace judges or their decision-making responsibilities. Speaking at a conference organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association in Bengaluru, he addressed global perspectives on judicial governance and the evolving role of AI in courts.

Justice Nath noted that AI can significantly assist in legal research, data collection, and improving overall efficiency in judicial processes. However, he emphasised that it cannot substitute the trained legal mind or the ethical responsibility that judges carry. “Technology may help in drafting and organising information, but it cannot replace the human judgment that is essential in delivering justice,” he said.

He further explained that judicial decision-making is not based on fixed formulas but requires careful evaluation of facts, context, and human circumstances. Highlighting this complexity, he pointed out that even cases under the same law can lead to different outcomes depending on their unique details. For instance, in cases involving multiple accused, a judge may grant bail to some while denying it to others something AI cannot fully comprehend or replicate.

While acknowledging the benefits of AI in enhancing transparency and access to justice, Justice Nath also cautioned against its potential risks. He urged the legal community to adopt technology responsibly, ensuring that the core values of fairness, ethics, and human judgment remain at the centre of the judicial system.