Prayagraj, March 18, 2025 – Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLU), Prayagraj, has inaugurated its prestigious interactive series titled ‘In Conversation with Legal Luminary’ with an insightful opening episode featuring Hon’ble Mr. Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh, Judge, High Court of Allahabad. This initiative is the result of the academic vision of Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of RPNLU, Prayagraj, and aims to provide students with a platform to engage with distinguished legal experts and explore contemporary legal issues.
Inaugural Episode Focuses on ‘Law and Artificial Intelligence’
The inaugural episode featured a compelling discourse on the theme ‘Law and Artificial Intelligence.’ Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a “double-edged sword” — a tool that has revolutionized research in the legal domain but remains marred by questions of reliability and accuracy.
Justice Singh emphasized that AI-generated citations are often incorrect, raising concerns about the integrity of legal research and scholarship. He warned that overreliance on algorithm-driven databases could compromise the quality and accuracy of legal outcomes.
AI and Intellectual Property Rights: A Legal Challenge
Justice Singh addressed the complex issue of AI and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Under Indian law, copyright protection is not granted to non-human entities, which excludes AI-generated works from protection. However, he acknowledged the possibility of future amendments to accommodate AI’s increasing role in creative output.
Discussing the legal challenges posed by AI, Justice Singh highlighted that as AI continues to evolve, lawmakers may need to revisit the existing copyright framework to address AI’s creative contributions.
AI in Justice Delivery: A Tool, Not a Replacement
During the engaging Q&A session, a student asked about AI’s role in justice delivery. Justice Singh clarified that while AI may assist in handling minor legal matters, such as traffic challans, its reliability in judicial decision-making remains questionable.
“Justice is a product of human evolution, shaped by complex circumstances and evidence that AI cannot fully comprehend,” he stated. Justice Singh stressed that judicial pronouncements must remain a human responsibility, as AI lacks the ethical and emotional depth necessary to deliver true justice.
Ethical Concerns and AI’s Influence on the Legal System
Justice Singh raised significant ethical concerns regarding the use of AI in the legal system. He questioned the reliability of AI algorithms, warning that the forces behind their development may not always have transparent or fair intentions.
He emphasized that justice is an evolving concept, shaped by societal changes over decades. Ensuring that AI can deliver unbiased and fair justice remains a formidable ethical and technical challenge.
Global Perspective and India’s Cautious Approach
Vice-Chancellor Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon noted the growing use of AI-powered bots in judicial systems across developed nations. While AI has facilitated judicial work in some countries, India remains cautious about fully integrating AI into its judiciary.
Justice Singh agreed, highlighting that India has gradually adopted AI in legal processes, such as virtual courts and case segregation. However, he reiterated that AI should remain a supportive tool rather than a decision-making authority in the judicial process.
Rapid-Fire Round: Insights on Modern Legal and Social Issues
A highlight of the session was the rapid-fire round, where Justice Singh shared candid views on various legal and social issues:
He described modern women as “Great.”
He supported granting legal personhood to nature.
He predicted that LGBTQ+ marriages may be legalized in the future.
However, he firmly rejected the idea of replacing judicial functions with AI, expressing skepticism about AI’s role as a legal assistant.
Fostering Legal Excellence and Innovation
The session concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh’s valuable insights and the enthusiastic participation of students.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University’s ‘In Conversation with Legal Luminary’ series promises to be a key platform for fostering dialogue on contemporary legal issues and preparing future legal professionals for the evolving challenges of the legal landscape.
