Artificial Intelligence in Justice Delivery System
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
UPSC cares about the ethical, legal, and societal implications of emerging technologies, especially their impact on fundamental pillars of governance like the judiciary. It tests candidates' understanding of how technology can be leveraged responsibly while safeguarding constitutional principles and ensuring justice.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. Its application in the justice delivery system involves using AI tools for tasks like legal research, document review, and predictive analytics, aiming to enhance efficiency and access to justice, while also posing significant ethical and practical challenges.
Facts & tables
- Supreme Court's Cautionary Stance
- The Supreme Court has likened AI hallucinations in judicial processes to methyl isocyanate (Bhopal gas tragedy), calling it "invisible, insidious, and catastrophic".
- Prohibition on Core Judicial Functions
- Draft 'Regulations for Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Courts, 2026' prohibits AI in adjudication, sentencing, deciding bail eligibility, and evaluating witness credibility.
- Professional Misconduct
- Presenting fabricated, machine-generated judgments constitutes professional misconduct for advocates and a serious lapse of duty for judges.
- Assistive Tool Only
- AI may serve as an assistive tool to improve efficiency but cannot replace independent human reasoning, judicial discretion, or professional accountability.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Emerging Information Technologies |
| Conceptual area | Judiciary & Judicial Review |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Supreme Court of India | Sets legal precedents and interprets laws, issues directives on judicial conduct |
| National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) | Adjudicates matters related to companies and insolvency |
| National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) | Hears appeals against orders of nclt |
| Bar Council of India (BCI) | Regulates the legal profession and sets standards for legal education and conduct |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Statement-based questions
Prelims angle: Factual recall
- SC warns against AI hallucinations in judiciary, likening it to methyl isocyanate.
- AI is an assistive tool, not a replacement for human judicial discretion.
- Draft 'Regulations for Use of AI in Courts, 2026' prohibits AI in core judicial functions.
- Citing fictitious AI material is professional misconduct for advocates and judicial misconduct for judges.
- BCI directed to formulate norms for lawyers regarding AI use.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2026 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2026 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2026 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2025 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2025 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2018 | Conceptual understanding, Terminology-based question |
| 2016 | Definition-based questions, Terminology-based question |
Timeline
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Emerging Information Technologies
Conceptual area
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Judiciary & Judicial Review
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2016
Definition-based questions, Terminology-based question
-
Prelims 2018
Conceptual understanding, Terminology-based question
-
Prelims 2025
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2025
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2026
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2026
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2026
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2026
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Manufacturing justice: On the top court, AI use observations
The Supreme Court has adopted a strict, cautionary approach to AI in the justice system, emphasizing its role as an assistive tool only, not a replacement for human judgment. It has warned against AI hallucinations leading to judicial misconduct and is pushing for regulations and disciplinary norms for its responsible use.
See also
Past papers
2016–2026 · 8 questions
In the news
Manufacturing justice: On the top court, AI use observations
The Supreme Court has adopted a strict, cautionary approach to AI in the justice system, emphasizing its role as an assistive tool only, not a replacement for human judgment. It has warned against AI hallucinations leading to judicial misconduct and is pushing for regulations and disciplinary norms for its responsible use.
Try these PYQs
GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
✅ Statement I: Correct
*GAGAN is an Indian SBAS developed by ISRO and AAI to enhance GPS accuracy and integrity, crucial for aviation safety.* ✅ Statement II: Correct
*It improves GPS reliability and accuracy, enabling better air traffic management and safer, efficient navigation.* ❌ Statement III: Incorrect
*GAGAN’s benefits extend beyond aviation to railways, roadways, maritime, agriculture, and disaster management.* Correct Answer: Only Statements I and II are correct.
The term ‘Core Banking Solution’ is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following statements best describes/describe this term?
1. It is networking of a bank’s branches which enables customers to operate their accounts from any branch of the bank on its network regardless of where they open their accounts.
2. It is an effort to increase RBI’s control over commercial banks through computerization.
3. It is a detailed procedure by which a bank with huge non-performing assets is taken over by another bank.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A core banking solution is a centralized system that integrates various banking functions across a bank's branches. It allows for:
- Networked branches: Customers can access their accounts and conduct transactions from any branch within the bank's network, regardless of where they originally opened their account.
- Improved efficiency: CBS automates many manual processes, leading to faster transactions and better customer service.
- Centralized data management: All customer information and account data are stored in a central location, facilitating easier access and record keeping. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 only.
Consider the following statements with respect to the AI Impact Summit, 2026 held in New Delhi :
1. The Summit's intellectual framework was based on three foundational Sutras : People, Planning, and Progress.
2. The Preamble of the Summit stresses Democratising AI Resources, which acknowledges the Charter for Democratic Diffusion of AI as a binding framework to support locally relevant innovation and strengthen resilient AI ecosystems while respecting national laws.
3. The New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact was structured around seven Chakras (Pillars), which included Access for Social Empowerment, AI for Science, and Secure and Trusted AI.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Summit's intellectual framework and core philosophy were anchored in three foundational principles (Sutras): People, Planet, and Progress, not People, Planning, and Progress. Statement 2 is Incorrect: The New Delhi Declaration introduced the Charter for Democratic Diffusion of AI to promote affordable access to foundational AI resources, support local innovation, and build resilient AI ecosystems. However, it was established as a voluntary and non-binding framework, respecting national laws, rather than a binding treaty. Statement 3 is Correct: The New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact was structured around seven thematic pillars of action, officially referred to as Chakras. These foundational areas included Access for Social Empowerment, AI for Science, and Secure and Trusted AI, alongside Democratizing AI Resources, Economic Growth & Social Good, Human Capital Development, and Resilient, Efficient & Innovative AI Systems. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day's weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to the office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a- message to your office accordingly.
In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following term best applies to the above scenario?
The scenario described involves various devices (smartphone, geyser, smart mirror, refrigerator, car, etc.) communicating with each other and with the user, and automatically performing tasks based on certain triggers. This is characteristic of the Internet of Things (IoT). Option B is correct: Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Option A is incorrect: Border Gateway Protocol is a protocol used to exchange routing information across the internet and is not relevant to the scenario described. Option C is incorrect: Internet Protocol is a set of rules for sending and receiving messages at the Internet address level, but it doesn't cover the broad range of device intercommunication described in the scenario. Option D is incorrect: A Virtual Private Network is a technology for using the internet or another intermediate network to connect computers to isolated remote computer networks that would otherwise be inaccessible, which also doesn't fit the scenario.
Consider the following statements:
I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028.
II. 'Kavach' is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany.
III. 'Kavach' system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.
Which of the statements given above are **not** correct?
❌ Statement I: Incorrect
The National Rail Plan targets 2030 for a future-ready railway, not 2028. ❌ Statement II: Incorrect
Kavach is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection system developed under 'Make in India', not with Germany. ✅ Statement III: Correct
Kavach uses RFID tags on tracks in station sections to track train location and speed continuously. Therefore, Statements I and II are incorrect, and Statement III is correct.
Show 3 more PYQs
Which of the following statements about DHRUV64 is/are correct ?
1. It is the third chip fabricated under the DIR-V Programme with an overall aim to enable the creation of microprocessors for India.
2. It is India's first homegrown 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Correct: DHRUV64 is the third chip to be fabricated under the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme. The first chip was THEJAS32 and the second was THEJAS64. The DIR-V programme aims to create a complete portfolio of future-ready, indigenous RISC-V-based microprocessors to reduce India's dependence on imported chips and foreign intellectual property. Statement 2 is Correct: Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), DHRUV64 is officially recognized as India's first homegrown 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor. It is built on the open-source RISC-V instruction set architecture, which eliminates proprietary licensing fees and ensures technological sovereignty. Therefore, both statements are correct.
Consider the following statements about Mission Sudarshan Chakra of India:
1. It aims to enhance India's air defence, ballistic missile defence and aerial offensive capabilities.
2. This Mission is being designed to enhance rapid, precise, and powerful defence responses, reinforcing India's strategic autonomy.
3. One of the aims of this Mission is to cover all public places of India by an expanded nationwide security shield by 2035.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is Correct: Mission Sudarshan Chakra is designed as a multi-domain security umbrella. It explicitly aims to enhance India's air defence, ballistic missile defence, and aerial offensive capabilities, acting as both a defensive shield and an offensive sword. Statement 2 is Correct: The mission integrates advanced technologies like AI, space-based sensors, and directed energy weapons to ensure rapid, precise, and powerful defence responses. This indigenous development (incorporating projects like Project Kusha) is specifically aimed at reinforcing India's strategic autonomy and self-reliance in the defence sector. Statement 3 is Correct: A major distinguishing feature of this initiative is its expanded scope. Announced as a 10-year national security initiative, a stated goal of the mission is to bring all public places (including hospitals, railways, and religious/cultural sites) under an expanded nationwide security shield by 2035, moving beyond the conventional protection of just military and strategic installations. Therefore, the correct option is A.
Which of the following statements with regard to the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is/are correct?
1. It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits.
2. Its implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes across India.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is Correct: The National Quantum Mission (NQM) aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50 to 1000 physical qubits within 8 years. Specifically, it targets 50–100 physical qubits in 5 years and scales up to 50–1000 physical qubits in 8 years using platforms like superconducting and photonic technology. Statement 2 is Correct: The implementation of the mission explicitly includes the establishment of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and national R&D institutes across India. These hubs focus on distinct technology verticals: Quantum Computing (led by IISc Bengaluru), Quantum Communication (led by IIT Madras), Quantum Sensing & Metrology (led by IIT Bombay), and Quantum Materials & Devices (led by IIT Delhi). Therefore, both statements are correct.