UPSC Notes

Artificial Intelligence in Justice Delivery System

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC cares about the ethical, legal, and societal implications of emerging technologies, especially their impact on fundamental pillars of governance like the judiciary. It tests candidates' understanding of how technology can be leveraged responsibly while safeguarding constitutional principles and ensuring justice.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. Its application in the justice delivery system involves using AI tools for tasks like legal research, document review, and predictive analytics, aiming to enhance efficiency and access to justice, while also posing significant ethical and practical challenges.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Supreme Court's Cautionary Stance

The Supreme Court has likened AI hallucinations in judicial processes to methyl isocyanate (Bhopal gas tragedy), calling it "invisible, insidious, and catastrophic".

Prohibition on Core Judicial Functions

Draft 'Regulations for Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Courts, 2026' prohibits AI in adjudication, sentencing, deciding bail eligibility, and evaluating witness credibility.

Professional Misconduct

Presenting fabricated, machine-generated judgments constitutes professional misconduct for advocates and a serious lapse of duty for judges.

Assistive Tool Only

AI may serve as an assistive tool to improve efficiency but cannot replace independent human reasoning, judicial discretion, or professional accountability.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaEmerging Information Technologies
Conceptual areaJudiciary & Judicial Review

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Supreme Court of IndiaSets legal precedents and interprets laws, issues directives on judicial conduct
National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)Adjudicates matters related to companies and insolvency
National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)Hears appeals against orders of nclt
Bar Council of India (BCI)Regulates the legal profession and sets standards for legal education and conduct
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • SC warns against AI hallucinations in judiciary, likening it to methyl isocyanate.
  • AI is an assistive tool, not a replacement for human judicial discretion.
  • Draft 'Regulations for Use of AI in Courts, 2026' prohibits AI in core judicial functions.
  • Citing fictitious AI material is professional misconduct for advocates and judicial misconduct for judges.
  • BCI directed to formulate norms for lawyers regarding AI use.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Emerging Information TechnologiesJudiciary & Judicial Review

​Manufacturing justice: On the top court, AI use observations

04 Jul 2026 · The Supreme Court has adopted a strict, cautionary approach to AI in the justice system, emphasizing its role as an assistive tool only, not a replacement for human judgment. It has warned against AI hallucinations leading to judicial misconduct and is pushing for regulations and disciplinary norms for its responsible use.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Artificial Intelligence in Justice Delivery System in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.