Author: Simran Shirvoikar
KLE’s society law college, bangalore
Abstract
In present days using Artificial intelligence is one of the important parts in our society and even in the Indian legal system minimal use of Artificial intelligence has taken place and even lawyers are familiar with it and also rely on Artificial intelligence for its arrangement and case studies and also ask for sources to which would be relevant for their cases. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an important step for transforming the Indian legal system and it offers enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility. By using AI tools it consolidates legal research and case management by providing quick access to many legal databases and also it helps in arranging the documents automatically. AI helps lawyers to know about future predictions with regard to the case and it also provides information with regard to the outcomes and risks of the case. AI enhances access to justice through chatbots offering legal aid and language translation services. One of the major benefits that can be made from AI’s data-driven insights is Judicial decision-making and with that it also concerns algorithmic bias and fairness. The implementation of AI raises challenges with regard to data privacy, leading to an increase in skill gap among legal professionals, and infrastructure requirements. The future of AI in the legal sector depends on innovation, collaboration, and the legal community’s ability to adapt, promising a more efficient and accessible justice system while emphasizing the need for addressing challenges related to bias and privacy.
Introduction
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the Indian legal system is serious and transformative and helps in reshaping legal professionals’ approach towards their work. AI technologies have introduced few new levels of efficiency and accuracy in legal research which allow rapid access to vast databases of different legal precedents and statutes whichever is available with AI. These features that are given under Artificial Intelligence significantly reduce the time that was priorly spent on case preparation and also has helped in enhancing the quality of legal arguments. AI tools also help in managing cases with that it also helps in streamlining administrative tasks such as document organization and also helps in tracking deadlines. As Artificial Intelligence helps in prior prediction of case which helps the lawyers to know the potential of the case with its outcomes and risks, enabling more informed decision-making and strategic planning.Furthermore, AI is expanding access to justice by providing affordable legal aid through chatbots and online platforms, particularly benefiting those who cannot afford traditional legal representation. Language translation services are also provided by AI and they help in removing communication gaps in India’s diverse linguistic landscape, making legal information more accessible to all the people who are in need of it. However, the use of AI into the legal system sometimes raises concerns about algorithmic bias, data privacy, and ethical use of the data that is present in it. As India develops a regulatory framework for AI, addressing these issues is essential to ensure fair and transparent use of AI technologies. The future of AI in the Indian legal sector holds great promise for increased efficiency and accessibility, but it also demands careful management of challenges related to trust, infrastructure, and professional training.
AI in the Indian Judiciary
There are many pending cases that are present in our Indian legal system and because of this increasing cases Indian Judiciary is facing a burden on themself to solve all the cases and to give proper justice to all people. Additionally now-a-days the public have demanded transparency within the judicial system and by recognizing all these challenges and issues that are coming forward towards Judiciary they have a viewpoint that they will use AI to solve this problem and this opinion or suggestion was taken into consideration by understanding the potential of Artificial Intelligence.
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s tenure has been remarkable for its focus on involving technology into the Indian judiciary. He has always actively promoted the use of video conferencing and online submissions in high courts and also states that recognizing these technological advancements are essential for modernizing the legal system in India. The approach made by D.Y Chandrachud highlights the understanding that technology is not merely a convenience but a crucial part of the judicial process today. By advocating for these changes, Chief Justice Chandrachud aims to make the judiciary more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the public, ensuring that legal processes are streamlined and that justice is delivered more effectively. This proactive stance marks a significant shift in how the judiciary operates, reflecting a commitment to embracing technological solutions to enhance the overall functioning of the legal system in India.
Judges opinion on AI
Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud has encouraged judges to accept technology for the benefit of everyone who is involved in legal proceedings. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud stressed that litigants or advocates should not face any difficulties just because judges are uncomfortable or are not able to use technological tools which are being developed now-a-days for the growth of the legal system. When he was Speaking at the National Conference on Digitisation in Odisha on May 6, 2023, the Chief Justice remarked the importance of continuing technological practices like hybrid hearings in High Courts. He made it clear that these practices should not be limited just to COVID-19 pandemic period but should be made a permanent part of the judicial process.
On November 29, 2019, which is known to be the Constitution Day, during an event attended by President Ram Nath Kovind, Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the judiciary. He pointed out how AI could help our judicial system by handling repetitive tasks that do not require judicial decision-making, allowing judges to focus on more important matters. Chief Justice Bobde also mentioned that AI’s ability to translate languages could make court proceedings more accessible and understandable to the general public. Former Justice L. Nageswara Rao, who previously led the Supreme Court’s AI Committee, noted that AI would be used for administrative tasks to speed up the justice delivery process.
Impact of Artificial intelligence on india legal system
Legal research and case management
Access to justice
Predicting the outcome of current cases
Regulation and ethical consideration
Contact analysis and due diligence
Assistance in Decision making
Conclusion
Involvement of artificial intelligence (AI) into the Indian legal system presents significant opportunities and challenges. AI technologies have the potential to consolidate all legal processes by automating routine tasks such as legal research, document review, and case management. This will lead to increased efficiency and reduced burden of cases in courts and this will address and solve one of the major issues in the Indian judicial system. Additionally, AI-powered tools can be used to get justice by providing affordable legal assistance and resources to underserved populations, thus democratizing legal services.
AI can also improve decision-making by offering data-driven insights and predictive analytics, aiding judges and lawyers in making informed decisions. However, the adoption of AI in the legal system raises concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and accountability. Ensuring that AI tools are transparent and adhere to ethical standards is crucial to maintain public trust in the legal system.Moreover, the integration of AI requires significant investment in technology infrastructure and training for legal professionals to effectively use these tools. The legal education system must evolve to include AI literacy to prepare future lawyers for the changing landscape. Regulatory frameworks need to be developed to govern the use of AI in legal processes, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Ultimately, while AI holds the promise of transforming the Indian legal system by making it more efficient and accessible, careful implementation and oversight are essential to address the associated risks and challenges. The collaboration between technologists, legal professionals, and policymakers will be vital in harnessing the full potential of AI for the betterment of the Indian legal system.
FAQ’s
1. How is AI currently being used in the Indian legal system?
AI is being used in the Indian legal system to perform certain tasks such as legal research, document analysis, and case management. Now-a-days AI tools are also being used to streamline court processes and provide data-driven insights to assist in decision-making.
2. What benefits does AI offer to the Indian legal system?
AI offers several benefits, including increased efficiency in handling cases, reduced backlog in courts, enhanced access to legal services for underserved populations, and improved accuracy in legal research and analysis. It also aids in making informed and data-driven decisions.
3. What challenges does AI pose to the Indian legal system?
The challenges include concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, accountability, and the transparency of AI tools. There is also the need for significant investment in technology infrastructure and training for legal professionals.
4. How can AI improve access to justice in India?
AI can improve access to justice by providing affordable and efficient legal assistance and resources, particularly for those who cannot afford traditional legal services. AI-powered platforms can offer legal advice and information to individuals and small businesses, helping to democratize access to justice.
