AI, Data Protection Are New Challenges In Legal System: Justice Vikram Nath

Noting that Artificial Intelligence will soon change how people work and live, Justice Vikram Nath of Supreme Court said data protection, dignity and ensuring responsible speech in the digital sphere will be the new focus and challenges to deal with in the legal system in coming years.Justice Nath was delivering the Ashoke Kumar Sen Memorial Lecture at the India International Centre in New Delhi. Legendary A K Sen was an outstanding lawyer, politician and India’s longest serving Union Law Minister."As we look ahead, we will face new questions that touch every part of the legal system: data protection and dignity, responsible speech in the digital sphere, markets that reward enterprise without losing fairness, environmental choices that balance

growth with care for the planet, and new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, that will change how we work and live. None of these choices will be easy. But if we hold on to a few steady habits and remember that the law exists to serve people, the path will be clearer", said Justice Nath.Talking about Sen, Justice Nath said, "Some people are known because they held high office; others are remembered because they raised the standard of the work itself. Mr. Sen belonged to the second group. He was steady and calm. He believed in preparation, in clear language, and in the simple idea that law should help people live better and safer lives."The best tributes to a person like Ashoke Kumar Sen are not statues or special sessions; they are daily choices, to prepare a little better, to argue a little more fairly, to write a little more clearly, and to treat one another with dignity even when we disagree.Ashoke Kumar Sen did not set out to be “inevitable.” He became so because people could rely on him. May we aim for the same standard in our own spheres. Let us keep our minds open, our words measured, and our actions steady. Let us read widely, teach generously, and guide those who follow us. If we can do that, then the spirit of this lecture will not end with tonight. It will continue in our files tomorrow morning, in our classrooms, in our courtrooms, and in the quiet places where we open a book to learn something new.For judges too, there is a lesson in Mr. Sen’s example. He dealt with disagreement without raising his voice. He was willing to hear every concern, but he did not let debate become delay. He believed that clarity is a form of respect, to the House, to the Courts, and to the public. We on the Bench should hold ourselves to the same measure: clear reasons, a steady tone, and decisions that ordinary people can read and follow. The Constitution speaks to everyone; our judgments should do the same.Supreme Court judge Justice Joymalya Bagchi, senior advocates Abhishek Singhvi and Jayanta Mitra paid glowing tribute to A K Sen during an interactive session which preceded the keynote address by Justice Nath. The session was moderated by legendary A K Sen’s nephew senior Supreme Court advocate Sanjiv Sen.