AI must strengthen, not override judiciary: CJI Surya Kant
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Bengaluru (PTI): CJI Justice Surya Kant on Saturday said Artificial Intelligence (AI) must be integrated into the judicial system in a manner that strengthens the institution without undermining its core functions.
He was speaking after inaugurating a one-day seminar on "Artificial Intelligence-Prevention and Resolution of Disputes" at the Karnataka Judicial Academy, organised in collaboration with the UIA India Chapter, Bar Association of India and the National Law School of India University, an official statement said.
"AI should assist in handling large volumes of data and records, identifying patterns, and reducing procedural delays. However, it must not encroach upon the core judicial function of delivering judgments," the CJI was quoted as saying.
The Chief Justice cautioned that allowing AI tools to dominate decision-making could compromise transparency and accountability within the justice delivery system.
He stressed that the final stage of adjudication must remain in human hands.
"The final stage of the judicial process, pronouncement of judgments, must remain firmly in human hands," he said, adding that judges must rely on their reasoning, experience and analytical abilities while delivering verdicts.
Emphasising the role of technology as an enabler, he said AI should function only as a tool.
"AI should function only as a tool or pathway, while the direction must always be determined by human intellect," he said.
Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, speaking on the occasion, raised concerns about the evolving role of AI in the judiciary, questioning whether it would remain an aid to human decision-making or become a substitute that diminishes the role of judges.
He also highlighted both opportunities and risks, noting that AI can enable predictive analysis of disputes and improve efficiency, while AI-supported online dispute resolution platforms can facilitate faster and cost-effective disposal of cases.
Stressing safeguards, he said judicial independence, transparency and legality must remain paramount, and the use of AI must be guided by clearly defined principles.
Bar Association of India President Prashant Kumar said AI has enabled rapid translation of court judgments into local languages, improving accessibility for people in rural areas and aiding lawyers in communicating with clients.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
