It has become a fact of life that the world needs to overhaul its educational institutions to ensure that a pandemic of such unprecedented scale cannot stall its fundamental operations. In India, the coronavirus pandemic was a grim reminder that our institutional foundations require the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence, the groundbreaking human innovation that can bridge the logistical gaps. Indian Judiciary, therefore, had to be transformed into a more accessible institution in the age of social distancing and uncertainty.
The overburdened state of the Indian Judiciary is not an uncommon reality, with the National Judicial Data Grid reporting that as many as 3.7 million cases remained pending in 2020. Though it had become inevitable to switch to swifter forms of communications accessible via the Internet, the question was how. Unlike the countries such as the United States, where artificial intelligence has been long incorporated, the Indian judiciary lacks even the basic infrastructural capabilities to incorporate the technology. However, one cannot sit on this and give this as an excuse. Artificial Intelligence has become an inevitable aspect of the Indian judiciary, as has been the exact line of thought of the Chief Justice of India, SA Bobde.
While regular activities are slowly resuming in courts, reliance continues to be placed on video conferencing software, online data-keeping, so on and so forth. The method of online dispute resolution has become necessary as it has the potential to reduce crowding of courts and overburdening of cases in courts, particularly lower judiciary. By implementing of an interactive, simple-to-use, secured interface for litigants and lawyers, people from all over the country can access the benefits of courts. In fact, permeation of the digital infrastructure in rural areas can reduce the physical presence and do away with the hassles of delays. Matters concerning arbitration and mediation, under adequate supervision, can provide for an effective platform to litigants, within and beyond India, to expedite the proceedings, something for which India holds a rather disappointing reputation. Face and audio detection, furnishing of e-records, and conservation of time are some of the many direct consequences of Artificial Intelligence in the Indian Judiciary.
There are many serious concerns. One of them is the lack of adequate infrastructure and digital literacy in India. Despite the country being one of the largest base of Internet users, most of the users have the only most rudimentary navigational skills to better utilize the e-accessibility options that artificial intelligence in courts would offer. Then, there is the question of authentication of evidence during court proceedings which is still being deliberated upon. Security, also, remains a crucial point. Yes, artificial intelligence is a formidable tool, but it is not without flaws. Like anything in this world, this technology is not perfect. Weaker IT infrastructure can gravely impact the integrity of the courts and its stakeholders, as vital information is transmitted and stored through virtual means. Localized infrastructure is a positive step forward, but it must be seen whether we have the requisite capability to install a robust security system. This, therefore, serves as a stark wake-up call that these matters require as much urgency as one can offer. After all, justice delayed is justice denied.
As a responsible institution instructing law and its various facets to its students, Amity Law School (ALS), Lucknow has put in endeavors to ensure that its students are able to understand and apply artificial intelligence in the application of legal education. Ranked amongst the Top 5 Institutes for Law in the country, ALS has introduced several academic and non-academic features in its environment, and this is evident from its many achievements.
As many as eighteen students made it to UP PCS (J) and two students to MP PCS (J) in the last two years. Further, several students have been successfully placed in technologically driven companies such as HCL Technologies, Law Firms, LPO, Amarchand & Mangaldass & Suresh A Shroff & Co., Luthra & Luthra Law Firm, etc.
To encourage students to engage in the active use of artificial intelligence in their professional duties, a course in the BBA LLB (Hons) with the title, “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Manager,” has been introduced to cater to the needs of the said field. Similarly, incorporations have already been introduced in other batches including those of BA LLB (Hons), BCom LLB (Hons), LLB (3yrs), LLM, and PhD.
On top of that, the institute runs a Centre for excellence every Friday, wherein, it offers educational courses on judiciary and civil services examinations.
As far as non-academic incorporations are concerned, the institute has organized as many as 14 Legal Aid Clinics and 12 National Moot Court Competitions since its inception. 14 Editions of Intra Moot Court Competitions have been organized till date, in which we sharpen the Moot Skills of our students so that they become good Mooters and Lawyers in Future. Since 2019 the ALS has organized National Amity Quiz on Constitutional Law (AQCL), two editions have been organized and Third Edition will be organized on 21st October. This is an annual series that is very popular among students and immensely enriches them in the domain of Constitutional law, which is also the law of the land.
Thus, all necessary efforts have been invested to ensure that our contribution to the development of artificial intelligence in the legal profession becomes significant.
To know more about Amity Law School, Lucknow please visit - http://bit.ly/als_lucknow
(Contributed by the Brand)