D Y Chandrachud highlights AI’s growing role in courts while stressing the need to preserve human judgment and constitutional values
April 14, 2026: Speaking at the Ashok Desai Memorial Lecture in Delhi, D Y Chandrachud said artificial intelligence will significantly support the judiciary but cannot replace human reasoning. He noted that AI can help process vast amounts of legal data, identify precedents, and present structured insights, allowing judges to focus on interpretation, fairness, and human consequences. He described AI as an “enabler of better judgment,” not a substitute for judicial decision-making.
The Chief Justice acknowledged concerns around AI but emphasised that the legal system stands at the threshold of a generational shift. With proper design and regulatory frameworks, AI can assist in repetitive and time-consuming tasks, improving efficiency without compromising judicial integrity. He added that the judiciary of the future must remain rooted in constitutional values while adapting to rapid global and technological changes.
Looking ahead, he said the nature of law and judging will evolve significantly, requiring future judges to be interdisciplinary thinkers capable of addressing complex issues like synthetic biology, virtual conflicts, and decentralised financial systems. Stressing that justice must remain humane, he said efficiency should not come at the cost of empathy, and innovation must ensure accessibility, reinforcing public trust in the system.