At the National Law Conference in Kandy, Justice Surya Kant said AI can assist legal work but can’t replace human conscience and compassion in justice delivery.
Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant underscored that while artificial intelligence can strengthen the justice system, it must never overshadow the human soul of the law.
Technology as a Partner, Not a Master
Speaking at the 29th National Law Conference organized by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka in Kandy, Justice Surya Kant called for a balanced adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the justice system. He described AI as “a powerful ally, not a substitute,” emphasizing that the moral, emotional, and ethical dimensions of justice cannot be coded into algorithms.
Justice Kant’s remarks come at a time when courts across the world are exploring the integration of technology — from AI-driven case management systems to predictive analytics tools that can assist in legal research. Yet, he cautioned against overreliance on technology, noting that justice requires empathy, fairness, and conscience — traits that machines can never emulate.
The Human Element of Justice
“Law,” Justice Kant said, “is not a mathematical equation to be solved but a moral pursuit guided by conscience.” He reminded the audience that the essence of judicial decision-making lies not in data but in discernment, and that the emotional and social nuances of human experience are beyond the reach of algorithms.
As AI-driven tools become increasingly embedded in legal work, the judge urged lawyers and judges to ensure that these tools remain instruments of efficiency rather than arbiters of truth. “Technology may make our systems faster,” he observed, “but only human judgment can make them fairer.”
Justice Kant’s reflections align with global debates around ethical AI in law — particularly concerns over bias in machine learning models used for bail, sentencing, and predictive policing. He noted that while AI systems can process massive volumes of information in seconds, they can also replicate existing social and systemic biases if not carefully supervised by humans.
Global Context: Courts Embracing AI
Across jurisdictions, courts are cautiously integrating AI into their workflows. In India, the Supreme Court’s SUPACE (Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court Efficiency) is designed to help judges access case information faster. However, as Justice Kant highlighted, the portal aids judicial work — it does not and should not decide cases.
Similarly, jurisdictions such as Singapore and the United Kingdom have adopted AI tools for document review, translation, and legal drafting, but retain strict oversight to ensure accountability and transparency. Justice Kant welcomed these innovations but reiterated that the human spirit of the law must remain at the centre of justice delivery.
He quoted philosopher and jurist Roscoe Pound, saying that law must always reflect the “felt necessities of the time” — but those necessities, he added, must be interpreted through the lens of humanity, not merely through data sets.
Ethical Use and Judicial Responsibility
Justice Surya Kant also emphasized that while AI can transform access to justice, it must be implemented responsibly. “Judges and lawyers must understand how these tools function, their limitations, and the ethical implications of their use,” he said. He called on legal institutions to adopt AI literacy programs to train judicial officers, ensuring that technology empowers rather than undermines justice.
He also warned that the automation of legal reasoning could erode public confidence if citizens begin to perceive justice as a mechanical process devoid of compassion. “We must ensure that the litigant feels heard — not merely processed,” he said, earning a warm reception from the audience.
AI as a Force for Good
Despite his caution, Justice Kant acknowledged AI’s potential to bring about transparency, speed, and consistency in the legal system. Tools for digitized record management, e-courts, and online dispute resolution (ODR) have already shown promise in easing judicial backlogs and improving accessibility.
However, he added that judicial innovation must never come at the cost of human dignity. “Every judgment carries a moral weight that only a human heart can bear,” he concluded. “Justice will remain — and must remain — a profoundly human enterprise.”
A Vision for the Future
Justice Kant’s address resonated with delegates from across South Asia, who echoed his sentiment that technology should enhance — not replace — the values of empathy, equity, and ethics in law. His speech underscored that AI can assist but not adjudicate, and that the ultimate goal of justice is not efficiency alone but human flourishing.
As India continues its march toward digital transformation in the judiciary, Justice Kant’s words serve as a vital reminder that the rule of law is sustained not by codes and circuits but by the human conscience behind every verdict.
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