New Delhi, Jan 19 (UNI) The Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) has announced India’s first-ever Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Law.
The launch coincided with a seminar titled “Artificial Intelligence and Law,” graced by Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal as the Chief Guest.
Prominent attendees included JGU’s Founding Chancellor and Member of Parliament, Naveen Jindal, Supreme Court Judge Justice Dipankar Dutta, Attorney General of India R. Venkataramani, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, and Senior Advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
The landmark event also involved legal scholars, jurists, policymakers, and industry leaders.
In his keynote speech, Law Minister Arjun Meghwal highlighted the importance of embracing technological advancements while addressing their ethical implications. “We live in the 21st century, and regressing is not an option. Technology can assist in resolving pending court cases and facilitating translations, but the human element must remain essential,” he said.
He also emphasized concerns about data privacy and ethical governance in AI systems and urged collective efforts to address these challenges.
Justice Dipankar Dutta echoed similar sentiments, noting the dual nature of technology. “AI must be critically analyzed before widespread adoption. While it holds immense potential, we must address its darker consequences, such as bias, surveillance, and misinformation,” he cautioned. He commended the program’s launch, calling it a “significant milestone in legal education.”
Senior Advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi advocated for a balanced integration of AI in law.
“AI can enhance efficiency but cannot replace nuanced human judgment. It must augment human capabilities rather than attempt to replace them,” he said, calling for robust regulations to govern AI use.
Professor (Dr.) S.G. Sreejith, Executive Dean of JGLS, described the programme’s objective as bridging the gap between AI technology and the legal profession.
“Students will explore societal changes, develop critical ideas, and shape the future of AI and legal systems,” he said.
Founding Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar highlighted AI’s impact on five critical areas, including legal analytics, bias elimination, cross-border dispute resolution, cybersecurity, and accountability in law enforcement.
Attorney General of India, R. Venkataramani, addressed the evolving relationship between law and technology, emphasizing the need to adapt to new paradigms in human-technology interaction.
“The shift brought by AI is fundamental, and it compels us to rethink how technology and law can coexist to serve society better,” he said.
Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, underscored the limitations of AI in legal adjudication, highlighting the irreplaceable value of human judgment, empathy, and discretion in delivering justice. “Legal proceedings are not mechanical exercises.
AI cannot replicate the nuanced understanding and human emotions that are integral to judicial decision-making,” he said.
Mehta cautioned against AI becoming a “master” in legal systems, asserting that no algorithm can replace a judge’s original thinking or humane approach.
Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi emphasized the balance AI must maintain in augmenting human capabilities. “AI must remain an efficient and obedient servant, augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing them,” he said. Singhvi stressed the need for robust regulations to address AI’s challenges, noting that ethical considerations and nuanced human judgment remain indispensable in legal practice.
Justice Dipankar Dutta reflected on AI’s dual nature, noting its potential for both benefit and harm. “AI must be critically analyzed before widespread adoption. While it holds immense potential, we must address its darker consequences, such as bias, surveillance, and misinformation,” he said. Justice Dutta praised the launch of the B.A. programme as a “significant milestone in legal education,” describing it as a leap forward for the future of the legal profession.
The launch of the B.A. in AI and Law programme positions JGU as a pioneer in blending AI with legal education, reaffirming its commitment to academic innovation and societal progress.
Summarizing the event’s significance, Union Minister Meghwal said, “Technology must assist, not replace. The human element is irreplaceable in delivering justice.”