The Supreme Court of India's AI Committee has released draft regulations governing the use of AI in courts. IGAP, with National Law University, Delhi, submitted comments welcoming the framework while recommending risk-based classification, stronger oversight and audit standards, robust data safeguards, and a phased rollout across India's courts.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly finding its way into judicial systems around the world, supporting functions ranging from legal research and translation to case management and administrative workflows. As these technologies become more capable, courts face an important challenge: how to harness AI to improve efficiency and access to justice without compromising judicial independence, due process or public confidence in the justice system.
Against this backdrop, the Supreme Court of India’s Artificial Intelligence Committee released the Draft Regulations for Use of Artificial Intelligence in Courts, 2026 for public consultation. The draft is among India’s first comprehensive efforts to establish a dedicated governance framework for the responsible adoption of AI across the judiciary, with a strong emphasis on human oversight, transparency, accountability and the protection of sensitive judicial data.
The Indian Governance and Policy Project (IGAP), in collaboration with National Law University, Delhi, submitted detailed comments on the proposed framework.
While welcoming the draft as a strong normative foundation, the submission argues that its long-term effectiveness will depend on how these principles are translated into practical governance mechanisms. It recommends a clearer risk-based classification of AI systems, stronger standards for human oversight, auditing and operational logging, more robust safeguards for sensitive judicial data, clearer institutional responsibilities, effective grievance and remedy mechanisms, and a phased implementation strategy that reflects the varying levels of digital readiness across India’s courts and tribunals.
At the heart of the submission is a simple principle: AI should strengthen the administration of justice by supporting judges and court administration, without displacing judicial authority or compromising constitutional safeguards, due process or public confidence. Rather than slowing innovation, the recommendations seek to make the regulatory framework clearer, more operational and better suited to the realities of India’s diverse judicial institutions.
Comments on the Draft Regulations for Use of Artificial Intelligence in Courts, 2026.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly finding its way into judicial systems around the world, supporting functions ranging from legal research and translation to case management and administrative workflows. As these technologies become more capable, courts face an important challenge: how to harness AI to improve efficiency and access to justice without compromising judicial independence, due process or public confidence in the justice system.
Against this backdrop, the Supreme Court of India’s Artificial Intelligence Committee released the Draft Regulations for Use of Artificial Intelligence in Courts, 2026 for public consultation. The draft is among India’s first comprehensive efforts to establish a dedicated governance framework for the responsible adoption of AI across the judiciary, with a strong emphasis on human oversight, transparency, accountability and the protection of sensitive judicial data.
The Indian Governance and Policy Project (IGAP), in collaboration with National Law University, Delhi, submitted detailed comments on the proposed framework.
While welcoming the draft as a strong normative foundation, the submission argues that its long-term effectiveness will depend on how these principles are translated into practical governance mechanisms. It recommends a clearer risk-based classification of AI systems, stronger standards for human oversight, auditing and operational logging, more robust safeguards for sensitive judicial data, clearer institutional responsibilities, effective grievance and remedy mechanisms, and a phased implementation strategy that reflects the varying levels of digital readiness across India’s courts and tribunals.
At the heart of the submission is a simple principle: AI should strengthen the administration of justice by supporting judges and court administration, without displacing judicial authority or compromising constitutional safeguards, due process or public confidence. Rather than slowing innovation, the recommendations seek to make the regulatory framework clearer, more operational and better suited to the realities of India’s diverse judicial institutions.