A Comprehensive Review on Artificial Intelligence in Indian Law

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the Indian legal system by enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and decision-making processes. AI-powered tools assist in legal research, contract analysis, case prediction, and dispute resolution, reducing the workload of lawyers and judges. The Indian judiciary has acknowledged AI\'s potential, with initiatives like SUPACE (Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court Efficiency) aimed at streamlining case management. Additionally, AI-driven chatbots and legal analytics platforms help citizens access legal information more efficiently. However, the integration of AI raises concerns regarding data privacy, bias, accountability, ethical implications, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks. The evolving Indian legal landscape must balance technological advancements with fundamental rights to ensure fairness, transparency, and justice.

Introduction

1. Overview

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming India’s legal and criminal justice systems, offering benefits in efficiency and access to justice, while also raising ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns. AI applications span areas such as legal research, judiciary processes, criminal liability, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and intellectual property law.

2. Key Areas of AI Application

A. Criminal Justice System

AI aids in crime detection, predictive policing, and offender management. However, it raises concerns about fairness, transparency, and accountability, requiring stronger legal frameworks.

B. Indian Judiciary

AI tools like SUVAAS and SUPACE help manage case backlogs and assist in legal research. However, AI lacks emotional intelligence and cannot replace human judges, highlighting the need for a supportive—not autonomous—role for AI.

C. Criminal Liability

AI’s increasing autonomy complicates accountability in AI-driven crimes. Legal frameworks must clarify the responsibilities of developers, operators, and users, particularly in contexts like facial recognition and surveillance.

D. Legal Research and Intellectual Property

AI improves efficiency in legal research, contract analysis, and prediction. However, AI-generated content challenges traditional copyright and IP definitions, prompting the need for updated laws.

E. Ethical Challenges

Bias, data privacy, and decision transparency are major concerns. Without strict regulatory controls and human oversight, AI systems can reinforce existing inequalities and lead to unjust outcomes.

F. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

AI-powered platforms streamline mediation and arbitration, reducing time and cost. However, issues like neutrality, confidentiality, and integration with existing laws must be addressed.

3. Literature Review Highlights

Researchers agree on AI’s potential but emphasize the importance of ethical safeguards, human oversight, and legal reform.

• Chatterjee & Sreenivasulu (2023): Call for strong AI regulations to protect human rights.

• Sayyed (2023): Explores challenges in assigning criminal liability to AI.

• Narayanan et al. (2023): Examine AI tools in the judiciary while warning of bias.

• Vig & Shah (2023): Discuss AI’s implications for copyright laws.

• Sil et al. (2023): Introduce AI legal chatbot “Avyanna” to improve legal access.

• Deshpande & Kamath (2023): Highlight challenges of AI in patent law (e.g., DABUS case).

• Rani (2023): Warns about AI misuse in policing.

• Cath (2023), Ojha (2023), Greavs & Varsha (2023): Call for international alignment and ethical AI governance.

4. Comparative Review of Past Studies (2024)

Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the Indian legal and judicial system presents both opportunities and challenges. AI has the potential to enhance efficiency, reduce case backlogs, and improve legal research, as seen in the adoption of tools like SUPACE and SUVAAS. However, concerns about transparency, bias, and ethical decision-making remain significant barriers to full implementation. AI’s role in criminal liability, copyright, and patent law also raises critical legal questions that require updated regulations and frameworks. While AI cannot replace human judges and lawyers due to the necessity of moral reasoning, its adoption can streamline processes and support decision-making. To maximize AI’s benefits while mitigating risks, India must focus on developing comprehensive legal frameworks, ensuring responsible AI use, and fostering collaboration between legal and technological experts.Furthermore, the successful integration of AI in the Indian legal system will depend on continuous advancements in AI technology, combined with a strong regulatory framework that upholds justice and fairness. Policymakers must work closely with legal professionals, technologists, and ethicists to create guidelines that prevent misuse while ensuring AI remains a tool for enhancing legal accessibility and efficiency. Public awareness and training programs for judges, lawyers, and law enforcement officials will also be crucial to ensure AI’s responsible deployment. By addressing ethical concerns, improving AI literacy in the legal sector, and updating existing laws, India can harness AI’s full potential while safeguarding fundamental rights and maintaining trust in the justice system.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Goldi Soni, Ayush Dewangan, Rishabh Ghritlahare. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.