AI will change the way we work; legal system must be ready: Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath

Artificial intelligence will change how people work and live and the legal system must be ready to meet these challenges while keeping fairness and compassion at its core, Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath said on Friday..Justice Nath was delivering the AK Sen Memorial Lecture at the India International Centre in New Delhi.“As we look ahead, we will face new questions that touch every part of the legal system, data protection and dignity, responsible speech in the digital sphere, markets that reward enterprise without losing fairness, environmental choices that balance growth with care for the planet, and new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, that will change how we work and live," he said..Justice Nath further stated that law is not only a set of rules but also a way of treating people, and that institutions must remember the moral purpose behind legal systems.“The law is a set of rules, yes, but it is also a way of treating people. It is a promise that power will answer to reason, and that reason will remain open to evidence. It is a promise that even when we act with speed, we will not forget fairness, and even when we act with firmness, we will not forget compassion.”He stressed the law can stay steady through technological and social change only if those in the profession hold on to essential habits.“If we hold on to our steady habits and remember that the law exists to serve people, the path will be clearer." .Addressing young lawyers and law students, Justice Nath said success in the profession rests on small, consistent acts of discipline and humility.“Do the simple things well. Read the papers carefully. Be on time. Treat everyone in the courtroom with respect. And keep your language straight. When you lose, learn why. When you win, thank the people who helped you. Find mentors who correct you.”He said that over time, these habits shape a lawyer’s reputation and character.“These small habits, repeated over years, become character. And character is what persuades courts and clients to trust you with difficult work.”Justice Nath also reflected on the qualities expected from judges, saying clarity and restraint are forms of respect to the institution and the public.“He (AK Sen) dealt with disagreement without raising his voice. He was willing to hear every concern, but he did not let debate become delay. He believed that clarity is a form of respect - to the House, to the courts, and to the public. We on the Bench should hold ourselves to the same measure: clear reasons, a steady tone, and decisions that ordinary people can read and follow.”He said the Constitution speaks to everyone and judgments should do the same.“The Constitution speaks to everyone, our judgements should do the same,” he said. .The judge noted that leadership in law is built gradually through consistency and attention to detail, not just through prominent cases or moments of recognition.“Leadership in law is often judged by what is done on the biggest stage. But the law is built, day by day, on small, careful acts. There is dignity in small things - filing a brief punctually, treating a court officer with respect, giving credit to a junior, citing a precedent accurately, acknowledging an error promptly.”He said trust, once earned through such habits, creates responsibility and influence.“Use your influence to build institutions, not just reputations. Use your skill to sharpen justice, not just arguments. Use your learning to guide the next generation, not just to impress your own.”Justice Nath concluded by reminding the audience that the spirit of law lies in its humanity.“If we keep these habits alive, we will also keep alive the wider spirit of the law, its humanity.”.Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.