Introduction

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping India’s judicial and regulatory landscape. Courts, enforcement agencies, and legal researchers increasingly rely on automation and data-driven tools to improve efficiency and transparency. The judiciary’s modernization efforts under the e-Courts Project Phase III aim to reduce backlog and enhance case management through advanced technologies such as machine learning, optical character recognition, and natural language processing.

AI integration does not replace judicial reasoning. Instead, it supports research, document processing, translation, and workflow management. These developments signal a shift toward digital justice delivery while maintaining constitutional safeguards.

How Is AI Being Used in Indian Courts?

The Supreme Court-led e-Courts initiative uses AI-driven systems to streamline filing, classification, and tracking of cases. Automated tools assist in digitizing records and translating judgments into regional languages. This improves public access and promotes transparency.

Some High Courts have also begun regulating AI usage internally. For example, the Kerala High Court introduced a policy framework to guide AI adoption within district judiciary structures. The objective is to prevent privacy violations and ensure that technology does not compromise judicial independence.

Law enforcement agencies use predictive analytics and digital coordination platforms to link police departments, forensic labs, and courts. Chatbots provide procedural information to litigants, reducing administrative burdens.

What Laws Currently Regulate AI in India?

India does not yet have a standalone AI statute. Instead, authorities apply existing legislation to govern AI deployment. The Information Technology Act, 2000 regulates electronic records, cybersecurity obligations, and intermediary liability. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 mandates consent-based data processing and breach reporting. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 imposes due diligence requirements on digital platforms.

Policy guidance from NITI Aayog promotes responsible AI development. These recommendations focus on fairness, accountability, and bias mitigation. The goal is to align innovation with constitutional principles such as equality and privacy.

What Is the Artificial Intelligence (Ethics and Accountability) Bill, 2025?

The Artificial Intelligence (Ethics and Accountability) Bill, 2025 proposes India’s first dedicated AI regulatory framework. It adopts a risk-based model. High-risk AI systems face stricter scrutiny, especially in surveillance, employment, law enforcement, and credit decision-making.

The Bill proposes the creation of a statutory Ethics Committee for Artificial Intelligence. This body would include experts from law, ethics, data science, and civil society. The committee would frame ethical standards, investigate complaints, and recommend penalties.

Developers would need to disclose system objectives, training data sources, and decision-making logic. Regular bias audits and compliance documentation would become mandatory. Individuals affected by harmful AI decisions could file complaints before the Ethics Committee.

Penalties may extend up to ₹5 crore, depending on the severity of violation. Authorities may suspend licenses or initiate criminal proceedings for repeated breaches. The framework aims to balance innovation with accountability.

Conclusion

AI adoption may enhance speed and access to justice. However, algorithmic bias, data misuse, and opaque decision-making raise serious concerns. Regulatory oversight ensures that technology respects constitutional guarantees under Articles 14 and 21.

India’s approach reflects a dual strategy. Courts embrace innovation to reduce backlog. Legislators develop accountability frameworks to prevent misuse. This balanced path promotes trust in AI-assisted justice.

As digital governance expands, ethical compliance and transparent regulation will determine how effectively AI strengthens India’s legal system.