New Delhi: Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, known for his meticulous approach in upholding courtroom decorum, recently had a unique encounter with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) lawyer during the inauguration of the National Judicial Museum and Archive. The AI lawyer, designed to resemble a traditional advocate complete with a bow tie and coat, was put to the test by the Chief Justice, who inquired, Is the death penalty constitutional in IndiaThe AI Lawyers Constitutional InsightIn response, the AI lawyer, programmed with legal knowledge, confidently replied, Yes, the death penalty is constitutional in India. It is reserved for the rarest of rare cases, as determined by the Supreme Court, where the crime is exceptionally heinous and warrants such a punishment. The answer seemed to impress the Chief Justice, showcasing the growing role of technology in the judicial space.#WATCH | Delhi | At the inauguration ceremony of the National Judicial Museum and Archive (NJMA) at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud interacts with the AI lawyer and asks, Is the death penalty constitutional in India pic.twitter.com/ghkK1YJCsV— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2024Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who is set to take over as the next Chief Justice, was also present at the inauguration, along with other distinguished Supreme Court judges. The museums opening marks an important milestone in making the judicial process more accessible to the public, with a focus on educating the younger generation.Chief Justice Highlights the Museums Vision for the YouthIn his address, Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized that the museum is not just a space for judges but is designed to be an interactive venue for all citizens, especially the youth. We want to have younger children from schools and colleges, citizens who are not necessarily lawyers and judges, to come here and breathe the air we breathe every day in the Court. This will bring them a live experience of the importance of the rule of law, he stated.The National Judicial Museum reflects the ethos of the Supreme Court, celebrating both the historic journey of the judiciary and the contributions of those who helped shape it, including members of the Bar. The Chief Justice expressed his hope that the museum would become a hub of learning and interaction, connecting citizens with the judicial system in meaningful ways.Controversy Surrounds the Museums LocationHowever, the creation of the museum has sparked some controversy within the legal community. The Supreme Court Bar Association, led by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, had previously requested the space be used for a library and lounge for the legal community. They argued that the current cafeteria was insufficient to meet the needs of the Bar members, and they expressed concerns over the transformation of the former Judges Library into the museum.Despite these objections, work on the museum has continued. The new museum, situated where the Judges Library once stood, represents a significant step in making judicial history more accessible to the public while promoting a deeper understanding of the law and the courts.
