Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant recently underscored a vital truth: while technological advancements are powerful allies in the legal world, the act of delivering justice remains a profoundly human endeavor.
During his keynote address at the National Law Conference hosted by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, Justice Kant eloquently stated, “The very soul of our profession isn’t found in data or algorithms, but in our conscience and compassion. A judge’s keen judgment, an advocate’s thoughtful arguments, a litigant’s inherent dignity, and the deep empathy that underpins every fair trial – these are the living threads of justice that no machine can truly replicate.”
Speaking on October 24 about ‘Technology in the aid of the legal profession: A global perspective,’ he clarified that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can certainly assist with research, drafting documents, or spotting inconsistencies. However, AI “cannot detect the subtle tremble in a witness’s voice, grasp the profound sorrow behind a plea, or fully weigh the moral implications of a critical decision.”
Justice Kant, who is next in line to become India’s Chief Justice, emphasized, “Let’s be absolutely clear: we are not aiming to replace lawyers or judges. Instead, we are enhancing their reach and sharpening their capacity to serve. Let technology guide, but let humanity govern.”
He also acknowledged that the legal sector cannot afford to ignore technology, particularly AI.
“We stand at a crucial crossroads,” Justice Kant concluded. “We can either resist technological progress and risk falling behind, or we can actively shape and steer it, embedding our fundamental legal and ethical values into its very design, ensuring it strengthens justice rather than supplanting it.”