New Delhi, Aug. 1: The Supreme Court has emphasized that Artificial Intelligence should play only a supporting role in online mediation, cautioning against allowing technology to replace human decision making in dispute resolution.
Speaking at a national conference on mediation and digital justice, Chief Justice Surya Kant highlighted the growing role of AI-powered tools in legal systems while stressing that fairness, empathy, and judicial discretion cannot be automated.
He observed that AI can improve efficiency by handling documentation, scheduling, translation, and research, enabling mediators to focus on resolving disputes more effectively. However, sensitive negotiations involving family matters, commercial disagreements, and community conflicts require human understanding that technology cannot replicate.
The Chief Justice warned that overdependence on automated systems could raise concerns over transparency, bias, accountability, and confidentiality. He called for the development of ethical safeguards and clear regulatory frameworks before AI applications become deeply integrated into justice delivery.
Legal experts attending the conference agreed that while digital innovation can expand access to mediation, the final responsibility for settlements must continue to rest with trained professionals. The discussions also focused on improving digital infrastructure and promoting responsible use of technology in India’s evolving justice ecosystem.
The observations are expected to shape future policy discussions on integrating AI into alternative dispute resolution while preserving public trust in the legal process.
