CJI Surya Kant Urges Law Schools To Integrate AI

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has advised National Law Universities and other law schools against the total prohibition of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in classrooms. Speaking at a legal forum in Jodhpur, he emphasized that students must be equipped with the skills to use these technologies transparently and under supervision. The CJI argued that ignoring the rise of AI would leave future Indian lawyers at a disadvantage in a rapidly evolving global legal market. He suggested that academic institutions should act as leaders in determining how technology can ethically reshape the Indian legal system.

The push for AI integration comes as the Indian judiciary increasingly adopts digital solutions for case management and research. Justice Surya Kant noted that AI can assist in processing vast amounts of legal data, but its use must be grounded in ethical frameworks to prevent misinformation. He urged students to look beyond traditional textbooks and embrace technology as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for critical legal thinking. The Governor of Rajasthan also echoed these sentiments, encouraging students to lead the charge in technological adaptation. This shift marks a significant departure from traditionalist approaches that previously viewed digital tools with skepticism.

The CJI’s stance is expected to trigger a curriculum overhaul across major Indian law schools by late 2026. Experts believe that training in AI-driven legal research and automated document review will become mandatory components of law degrees. This will likely improve the efficiency of legal services and help reduce the massive backlog of cases in the Indian court system. For India, this means producing a new generation of lawyers who are tech-savvy and capable of competing internationally. The legal fraternity is now looking for clear guidelines from the Bar Council of India to standardize AI usage in academic settings.