When technology takes driver’s seat in legal system, it erodes public faith in judiciary: CJI

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Wednesday cautioned on the growing role of technology in the justice delivery system.

"As we stand at this crossroads between tradition and innovation, the courts as sentinels of the Rule of Law are both guardians of ancient wisdom and architects of future justice," he said.

In his keynote address at the British Institute of International and Comparative Law, London, on the topic ‘The Role of Courts in Upholding Rule of Law in Adjudicating Commercial Disputes’ he called for the creation of a Commonwealth Dream Team to address the evolving challenges facing the justice system worldwide.

"The moment we let technology take the driver’s seat in the legal system, we begin to erode the public’s faith in us and with it, the foundations of the rule of law," he said.

The CJI said unlike computer algorithms, the law isn’t meant to blindly follow historical trends, optimise for cautioned against overreliance on technology engagement, or serve judgments based on preferences of the audience.

"It is rooted in principles, in reason, and above all, in fairness. The rule of law stands resolute as humanity’s oldest and most dependable algorithm which, far from being a static concept, has evolved alongside humanity,” he said.

He said India has continuously aspired to become a hub of international arbitration by building a progressive legislative framework, a pro-enforcement judiciary and robust institutional support.

The CJI said the rule of law exists not as an abstract concept but as a living promise to real people facing real problems.

"Each case that comes before our courts represents someone's hope for justice, and someone's faith that the system will work fairly and equitably," he said.