The Supreme Court of India and the Supreme Court of Russia have entered into a significant partnership aimed at enhancing judicial efficiency through technology. This development follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Tuesday during a meeting in Moscow between the Chief Justice of India (CJI), Surya Kant, and the Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, Igor Krasnov.
The MoU underlines the commitment of both nations to foster cooperation through exchange visits, training programs, and joint seminars and conferences. A focal point of this collaboration is the exchange of experiences and best practices concerning the use of technology in justice administration, ultimately aiming to improve judicial efficiency and service delivery.
To achieve these objectives, a Joint Working Group will be established to develop strategies and mechanisms for ongoing technological collaboration and deeper institutional engagement between the two judiciaries. CJI Kant, speaking at the meeting, emphasized that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support courts in various tasks, it cannot replace human judgment in determining judicial outcomes.
“Artificial Intelligence may assist judges by organizing information, facilitating translations, generating transcripts, and streamlining administrative processes. However, it cannot determine outcomes, assess witness credibility, evaluate evidence, or exercise judicial discretion,” CJI Kant remarked. This distinction is also mirrored in the Supreme Court’s recently notified Draft Regulations for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Judiciary, which aim to ensure the responsible deployment of AI while preserving judicial independence and human oversight.
CJI Kant highlighted that courts globally face the challenge of maintaining public confidence in the justice system while adapting to a rapidly evolving world. “Institutions may evolve, technologies may change, and new challenges may emerge, but the fundamental purpose of courts remains to uphold justice in a manner that commands public trust,” he stated.
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He further elaborated on the Supreme Court’s technology initiatives, including SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software), which facilitates the translation of judicial documents across languages, and Su Sahay, an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist litigants, lawyers, and the public with court procedures and case information. Additionally, the “One Case, One Data” initiative seeks to create standardized digital records for each case across judicial platforms.
CJI Kant also pointed out the transformative impact of integrating technology into mediation, particularly in commercial, family, and civil disputes, as part of the Judiciary’s efforts to promote alternative dispute resolution and reduce the burden on conventional courts.
Emphasizing the limitations of AI, CJI Kant reiterated that AI cannot perform functions requiring human judgment. He stressed the importance of judicial education and capacity-building, noting that technology can only enhance court capabilities when supported by continued investment in human resources.
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“India has therefore devoted considerable attention to building a comprehensive framework for judicial education and professional development,” CJI Kant noted. In conclusion, the Chief Justice underscored the importance of balancing technological innovation with human values to shape the future of justice, calling for ongoing cooperation between the Indian and Russian judiciaries.
