AI cannot replace human conscience in justice delivery: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday cautioned against over-reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) in the judicial system, asserting that no algorithm can substitute human empathy, lived experience, or moral reasoning that underpin judicial decision-making.

Speaking at a state judicial officers’ conference on “Reimagining the Judiciary in the Era of Artificial Intelligence” in Bengaluru, he said while technology can assist courts, it cannot replace the human conscience at the core of justice.

Describing AI as a transformative force, Siddaramaiah noted that it is reshaping how evidence is interpreted and decisions are made. He highlighted its potential in enabling faster legal research, improving case management, and helping reduce pendency through intelligent systems.


However, he flagged significant risks. Algorithmic bias, he said, could undermine the principle of equality before law, while opaque systems may weaken the doctrine of reasoned decisions — a cornerstone of judicial functioning.

Stressing that judicial independence must be preserved, he said it should remain insulated not only from external pressures but also from subtle technological dependence. “The authority of a judge must never be overshadowed by the authority of an algorithm,” he said.

Referring to Ambedkar, he said constitutional morality must guide technological adoption, and not the other way around.

The CM also drew attention to emerging challenges such as AI-generated evidence, including deepfakes and synthetic data, which require a re-examination of legal doctrines related to admissibility, burden of proof, and authenticity. Courts, he said, will increasingly need to determine what constitutes reliable evidence in a digital age, ensuring that truth remains anchored in verifiability and integrity.

He noted that the judiciary would play a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory framework for AI in India, guided by constitutional principles such as due process, proportionality, and the right to privacy. In this context, the judiciary would act not just as a user of technology but as an ethical compass for its deployment.

At the same time, Siddaramaiah acknowledged the opportunities technology offers. AI-assisted legal research could democratise access to precedents, while blockchain could ensure secure and tamper-proof judicial records. Intelligent case management systems, he added, could streamline court functioning and reduce delays — provided efficiency does not come at the cost of fairness.

He underscored the need to equip judges with both legal acumen and technological understanding, as the intersection of AI with equality and social justice poses critical challenges. If not carefully regulated, AI systems could replicate and amplify existing inequalities based on caste, class, and access, risking what he termed a form of “digital social Darwinism”.

On structural challenges, the Chief Minister flagged the continuing issue of case pendency, noting that while technology can help, it must be complemented by systemic reforms, including improved infrastructure, enhanced judicial capacity, and modernised processes.

He also called for improving access to the apex court, stating that establishing a Supreme Court bench in South India would significantly enhance access to justice.

Siddaramaiah said his government remained committed to strengthening judicial infrastructure, advancing digital transformation, and fostering an ecosystem where innovation and justice progress together. Measures undertaken include time-bound case management, reducing the burden on higher courts through jurisdictional restructuring, strengthening government litigation practices, and expanding legal aid.