The Indian judiciary is exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to tackle the massive backlog of cases. According to Justice Gautam Patel, a former judge of the Bombay High Court, AI can be a valuable tool in reducing pendency and improving efficiency.
AI can help detect patterns in legal decisions, assist in policymaking, and aid in case management. By analyzing judicial trends, AI tools can enable lawyers and litigants to make informed decisions by identifying how different judges typically rule in specific areas of law.
One potential application of AI is in automated case scheduling, which can optimize the scheduling process and reduce delays. AI can also draft administrative orders for final review by judges, streamlining the judicial process.
However, experts emphasize the need for careful planning, training, and implementation of AI tools in the judiciary. While AI can be a powerful tool, it lacks the nuance and contextual understanding that human judges bring to complex cases.
To harness the potential of AI, the Indian judiciary must strike a balance between technology and human judgment. By doing so, AI can help improve efficiency, reduce pendency, and enhance the overall functioning of the judicial system.