The legislation will enable the implementation of artificial intelligence in case filing and registration, case management, legal research assistance, document processing and predictive analytics for administration. | Photo credit: iStockphoto
As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) spreads across sectors, the Karnataka government is coming up with legislation to enable the use of artificial intelligence to streamline the justice delivery system in the district judiciary. This is expected to increase the speed, accuracy, transparency, accessibility and objectivity of the judicial process.
The implementation of AI will be a coordinated effort between the state government and the Karnataka High Court under the proposed ‘Karnataka District Judicial Reforms Act, 2025’, which also covers other aspects of judicial reforms. The legislation will enable the implementation of artificial intelligence in case filing and registration, case management, legal research assistance, document processing and predictive analytics for administration.
With fast courts
The AI-driven measure is proposed alongside the proposed establishment of speedy courts. Cases related to farmers, unemployed, jobless people, agrarian disputes including land, agricultural loans, crop insurance and rent are proposed to be referred to fast-track courts, which are expected to dispose of cases within 12 months.
“The bill has been submitted to the government but has been shelved. The finance ministry is yet to approve the establishment of the proposed fast-track courts. It is likely to be introduced in the next winter session of the legislature,” a government source said.
According to sources, district judiciary reforms had been under discussion for some time and Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil had shown interest in consultations before the proposal was formulated. “The legislation will be in line with the latest technological developments, but with enough safeguards,” the source said.
Warranties
As a safeguard against abuse, the proposed legislation prohibits the district judiciary from using an AI system to predict, recommend or influence the outcome of a court decision, and AI input cannot be considered evidence or legal opinions. To ensure data protection and confidentiality, the AI system to be used should meet the data security, privacy and confidentiality standards set by the Supreme Court. The proposed legislation prohibits the sharing of any personal or sensitive court data with any outside agency without the consent of the High Court. A digital audit trail of AI will be maintained, and the Supreme Court will prepare and submit to lawmakers an annual report on the use and impact of AI, the bill says.
Under the proposed provision, the Supreme Court will create a committee on artificial intelligence and judicial innovation composed of judicial officers, technologists, data scientists and legal experts to oversee the deployment, ethical use and regular audits of AI tools in the justice delivery system. For imparting training, Karnataka Judicial Academy will have training modules in AI Literacy, Digital Ethics and Technology Assisted Decision Making.
Other reforms
The bill also seeks to establish the Office of District Court Reforms, a permanent body that will review and recommend reforms in recruitment, training, infrastructure, case management and performance evaluation. Among other things, it will recommend the integration of technologies such as AI-assisted screening to speed up the selection of judges, prepare a list of vacancies every year and a projected vacancy for four years.
The bill also proposes the state government to start construction of at least 500 new court halls and 300 residential units for judicial officers in underserved taluks by 2050.
Adjournment Orders and Injunction Instructions
To avoid unnecessary adjournments, it is proposed to strictly follow the Karnataka Civil Procedure Code Amendment, 2025. As per the provisions of the proposed law, an adjournment has to be sought in writing with reasons and if the reasons are found to be unfounded, the court can impose a minimum fine of ₹5,000. Repeated adjournments will be flagged and an annual report on adjournment rates by court will be generated and submitted to the High Court. Referees with a low deferral rate will be eligible for a performance incentive.
The bill also sets out guidelines for issuing injunctions and stay orders in cases involving public interest and safety.
Published – 05 Nov 2025 20:56 IST
