CJI Chandrachud interacts with AI lawyer at inauguration of National Judicial Museum; Watch

Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized that the National Judicial Museum symbolizes the values of the Supreme Court

At the inauguration of the National Judicial Museum and Archive, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud had an interesting exchange with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) lawyer.

The AI, presented as a spectacled figure in an advocate’s bow tie and coat, was asked by the Chief Justice, "Is the death penalty constitutional in India?" The AI confidently responded, "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."

#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, 2024

The Chief Justice appeared impressed by the answer. Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who will take over as the next Chief Justice, was also present, along with other Supreme Court judges.

During his speech, Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasised that the new museum symbolises the values of the Supreme Court and is a crucial space for the nation. He expressed a desire for the museum to engage the younger generation, urging students, citizens, and non-legal professionals to visit and learn about the importance of the rule of law and the work done by judges and lawyers. "I want younger children from schools and colleges, citizens who are not necessarily lawyers or judges, to come here and experience the importance of the rule of law," he said.

The Chief Justice also clarified that the museum is not "judge-centric", highlighting that it includes sections about the Constitutional Assembly and the members of the Bar who have played significant roles in shaping the court. He encouraged lawyers to visit and mentioned that he hoped his successor would continue to make the space accessible to the younger generation.

The new museum, located at the site of the former Judges' Library, has sparked controversy within the legal community. The Supreme Court Bar Association, led by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, had previously requested a library and lounge in the space, arguing that the existing cafeteria does not meet the needs of the Bar. Despite their objections, the construction of the museum has proceeded.