Author: Devki Sarohi, Dr. Reema Bhattacharya

Abstract
The growing incorporation of Artificial Intelligence in judicial and quasi-judicial decision making represents a transformative development in India’s legal system. While AI-driven tools offer efficiency and uniformity, their unregulated use poses significant risks to principles of fairness, transparency, and due process, particularly in matters concerning labour rights and maternity benefits. Consequently, a robust regulatory framework is imperative to ensure that technological innovation aligns with constitutional guarantees of equality and social justice.The incorporation of artificial intelligence into judicial processes, incorporating sophisticated legal research mechanisms, case outcome prediction and decision-support systems, marks a transformative phase in contemporary justice delivery. While these technological inventions ensure enhanced efficiency, uniformity or wider access, moreover they pose multifaceted constitutional tasks. The ambiguity of algorithmic design, the risk of perpetuation of systemic biases and the absence of robust accountability structures collectively threaten the guarantee provided by “the principle of due process under Article 21 of the constitution”. This paper takes a theoretical and comparative approach using regulatory frameworks developed within the European Union and the United States and Singapore towards drawing insights for the Indian judiciary. It argues that India needs a nuanced regulatory framework incorporating transparency mandates, human-related safeguards and regular algorithmic audits to ensure judicial accountability. Importantly, the study extends the debate beyond criminal adjudication to civil and labour disputes, particularly those relating to maternity benefits and gender justice. Welfare legislations like the maternity benefits act 1961, which has been reinforced by constitutional provisions under Articles 14, 15(3) and 42, are examples of areas where judicial decision-making requires empathy and a social justice orientation. The indiscriminate use of artificial intelligence (AI) in such sensitive areas risks harming fundamental equality and undermining the protective character of welfare jurisprudence. Therefore, this paper argues that regulatory mechanisms must be carefully adjusted to reconcile the imperatives of technological progress with constitutional commitments to fairness, dignity and social justice, to make sure that artificial intelligence contributes positively rather than resulting in undermine the integrity of judicial decision-making in India.

Published in: GIBS Law Journal, February 2026 (Volume-8, Number-1)

Keyword: Artificial Intelligence in Judiciary | Algorithmic Bias | Article 21 | Constitutional Safeguards | Fair Trial | Gender Justice | Judicial Accountability | Labour Rights | Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 | Social Welfare Jurisprudence

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