Artificial Intelligence & Smart Transportation Technologies Represent Both Opportunities & Ethical Dilemmas : Justice Surya Kant

Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court, recently spoke about the need to ensure an equitable balance between the opportunities offered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), and smart transportation and the ethical challenges they pose.

The Supreme Court Judge today addressed the Commonwealth Legal Education Association's International Conference on "Law and Technology: Sustainable Transport, Tourism and Technological Innovations" in Kumarakom, Kerala. His speech focused on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart transportation technologies on the legal landscape.

“The advent of Artificial Intelligence and smart transportation technologies represent both the opportunities and ethical dilemmas,” he said.

Justice Kant, the Chief Patron of the Commonwealth Legal Education Association, emphasized that while public transportation may be revolutionized by the potential of automated vehicles, it also come with a set of ethical and regulatory challenges that need careful consideration.  

Extending the discussion to the the rise of AI's utility in traffic management and transport, Justice Surya Kant pushed for the need for regulatory frameworks to address sustainability concerns and counter the evil of cyber attacks and privacy violations

“Navigating the complexities of AI, for instance in traffic management and transport, will require us to steer with skills and foresight the rise of these technologies, calls for a delicate balance, a regulatory framework robust enough to tackle privacy and cyber security concerns to foster innovation. Our discussions must explore these complexities to devise comprehensive regulatory frameworks that balance technological advancement with ethical considerations and sustainability.”

Justice Kant also underlined the concept of 'intergenerational equity' as upheld by the decisions of the Supreme Court. Intergenerational equity requires the present policy frameworks to be devised keeping in mind the sustenance of the rights and needs of the future generations

“The Supreme Court has been a firm advocate for environmental protection and sustainable development and has often invoked the principle of intergenerational equity to ensure that our actions today do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs”

Turning to the justice system itself, Justice Kant highlighted the crucial role of technology in improving court processes. He mentioned that digital courtrooms, e-filing systems, and AI-driven research tools could make justice more efficient and accessible. He also noted that virtual hearings have increased access to justice for people who might have trouble attending court in person due to distance or other logistical issues.

In conclusion, Justice Kant used a metaphor comparing the development of law and technology to a river carving its path, emphasizing the need for persistence and purpose in shaping the future through transformative laws and innovative technology.

“Just as the river carves its path through snow and persistence and purpose, we must too shape our future through transformative laws and innovative technology." 

Supreme Court judge Justice BR Gavai delivered the inaugural address. Chief Justice of Seychelles Rony Goviden was the Guest of Honour.

Justice AM Muhammed Mustaque, Acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, Attorney General for India R Venkataramani, and Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta also spoke during the event.

The speakers expressed condolences for the victims of the recent Wayanad landslide tragedy.

The conference can be watched live here.