Judicial independence must include freedom from AI influence: Justice Nagarathna
Bengaluru (PTI): Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna on Saturday said that judicial independence in the modern era is not just freedom from external power, but also freedom from algorithmic influence.
She said the future of justice cannot be shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI) alone, but must be determined by judges—supported by tools, yet always guided by constitutional values, the rule of law, and a commitment to equity and fairness.
Justice Nagarathna was speaking at the 22nd Biennial State-Level Conference of Judicial Officers, themed 'Reimagining the Judiciary in the Era of Artificial Intelligence', organised by the Karnataka State Judicial Officers Association.
"The principle that must remain absolutely unchanged amid all this change is the rule of law. No matter how advanced technology becomes, the foundation of our judiciary cannot and must not shift," she said.
"The rule of law is not a technical concept; it is a moral and constitutional commitment that ensures fairness, equality, and accountability," she added.
Justice Nagarathna emphasised that, in this context, artificial intelligence must always remain on the periphery—as a tool, an aid, and a support system, but never the core of decision-making.
"The core must always be human judgment, guided by legal reasoning, constitutional values, and a deep sense of justice. If at any point technology begins to replace human judgment, we risk weakening the very institution of the judiciary that we are trying to strengthen," she said.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Supreme Court Judge Aravind Kumar, and Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court Vibhu Bakhru were among those present at the event.
Stating that AI must respect the experience, discretion, and role of judges as guardians of justice, she said that excessive reliance on AI could create a form of cognitive influence.
"AI poses a threat to human cognition by subtly shaping how we process information and make decisions. It can affect the cognitive autonomy of individuals," she said.
"Therefore, the classical idea of judicial independence must evolve to include independence from undue AI influence. This means ensuring that judges retain final control over reasoning and that the use of AI remains at the periphery at all times and at all stages," she added.
Judicial independence in the modern era is not just freedom from external power, but also freedom from algorithmic influence," she said.
At a broader level, Justice Nagarathna noted, AI can support the functioning of legal aid systems.
"In a system where delays and costs are major concerns, even small efficiency improvements can make a significant difference for litigants who often wait years—sometimes across generations—for resolution," she said.
"Justice involves empathy, compassion, context, and a deep understanding of human life. No machine can replicate that. Therefore, the principle must remain clear and non-negotiable: artificial intelligence can assist, but the judge must always decide," she said.
"Unlike other sectors, errors in the judicial system do not merely cause inconvenience; they can affect life, liberty, and dignity. Therefore, the introduction of AI into judicial processes must be approached with a deep sense of responsibility," she added.
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Chikkamagaluru: A man allegedly impersonating an IAS officer managed to gain the confidence of officials and staff at the district hospital in Chikkamagaluru, attending meetings and public events before his identity came under suspicion.
According to a report by Deccan Herald, the accused, identified as Mithun, introduced himself as the Commissioner of the National Health Mission (NHM) and district in-charge for Chikkamagaluru. He also claimed to be a native of Chikkaballekere village in Kadur taluk.
Believing his claims, District Surgeon Dr Chandrashekar reportedly introduced Mithun to other officials. Photographs of Mithun attending meetings at the district hospital and being felicitated by religious leaders at a Basava Tatva Peetha programme have since circulated widely on social media.
Dr Chandrashekar said he had trusted Mithun based on his conduct and presentation. He said he initially believed that Mithun was an IAS officer from a rural background who had cleared the examination through hard work, and only later realised that he was allegedly an impostor.
The incident has also triggered allegations from the Lisa Foundation, which has sought action against Dr Chandrashekar. The organisation claimed that Mithun was introduced to medical shop owners through him and alleged that Mithun had promised a ₹1.80 crore contract for supplying medicines to Primary Health Centres in the district. The foundation has demanded suspension of the District Surgeon and a detailed inquiry.
Chikkamagaluru Medical College Dean Dr Ravi said Mithun was not known to him and had not conducted any official meetings. He said he had seen Mithun once in the District Surgeon’s room and was told that he was a probationary IAS officer, but had doubts about his identity.
Following the incident, BJP workers staged a protest in the city, accusing the administration of negligence and demanding action against the District Surgeon for introducing the alleged fake officer.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered at the Amruthahalli Police Station in Bengaluru based on a complaint filed by medical shop owner S G Satish. The complaint states that Mithun was introduced through Dr Chandrashekar and that ₹36 lakh was allegedly paid as a bribe in his presence, along with an additional ₹5 lakh transferred to Mithun’s bank account.
Dr Chandrashekar said he has appeared before the police to give his statement as his name figures in the complaint. He also claimed that Mithun had cheated him and said he would file a separate complaint with the Chikkamagaluru police.
