AI tools in Indian courtsCEFR A2
5 Dec 2025
Adapted from Sakkcham Singh Parmaar, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Rishu Bhosale, Unsplash
India started digital court work with the e-Courts programme in 2007. That programme added e-filing, digital cause lists and online judgments. Phase III now plans to apply machine learning and language tools to court records.
The Supreme Court made SUPACE to help judges find facts, suggest precedents and draft outlines. The platform does not make decisions. Language tools like SUVAS translate judgments from English into other Indian languages. Since 2023, courts have used automated transcription that gives near-real-time searchable text.
The High Court of Kerala ordered use of Adalat.AI for witness records from November 1, 2025. Adalat.AI was made by a start-up with research links to Harvard and MIT. The order allows other vetted platforms if the system fails. Officials say AI can reduce errors and speed hearings, but judges and experts also warn about bias and privacy.
Difficult words
- programme — a planned set of activities by an organization
- judgments — a judge's official decision in a court case
- machine learning — computer methods that learn from data
- platform — a computer system used for specific tasks
- transcription — a written text made from recorded speech
- automated — done by machines without human control
- witness — a person who saw an event and gives evidence
- vetted — to check something to make sure it is safe
- bias — an unfair preference or opinion for someone
- privacy — the right to keep personal information private
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think automated transcription can help courts? Why or why not?
- What problems might come from using AI in court work, according to the article?
- Would you trust a computer system to help with legal records? Explain in one sentence.
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