Jindal Global University launches degree in Artificial Intelligence and Law

Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) of the OP Jindal Global University (JGU), recently announced the launch of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) programme in Artificial Intelligence and Law.

The undergraduate programme aims to bridge the gap between the legal profession and technology, by equipping students with a deep understanding of AI, alongside core legal principles.

Union Law Minister of State (in charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Meghwal was the Chief Guest at the seminar held to mark the launch, and spoke on concerns surrounding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including ethical issues and the need for data privacy and protection.

He encouraged the public and the audience to share their suggestions and perspectives on these concerns. Wishing success and complimenting JGU for its foresight, Meghwal also said,

"We are living in the 21st century, and regressing is not an option. We must embrace the present and focus on how to use technology effectively while addressing its challenges. The human element will always remain essential, and if we advance alongside it, technology can assist in many areas, such as resolving pending court cases and facilitating translations."

Other dignitaries who attended the event included Supreme Court judge Justice Dipankar Dutta, Attorney General of India, R Venkatamani, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta and Senior Advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Member of Parliament Naveen Jindal.

Justice Dipankar Dutta observed that it is difficult to predict the changes AI may ultimately bring to the legal profession, although they are bound to be revolutionary.

“Such uncertainty is not new, this is often the case with new technologies especially when they are revolutionary and have the potential for real and substantial change. While there are differing thoughts on where the AI bandwagon will take us, it is undeniable that it can change academia, the practice of law and the delivery of justice," he said.

Attorney General of India R Venkatamani added,

“The issue would be how the traditional relationship between law and technology must evolve to accommodate the fundamental shift in the nature of technology, one that has already begun. The shift will transform how we use technology, more precisely it will change our relationship with technology, from using technology to interacting with technology.”

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta cautioned that while AI's advancements are remarkable, legal decisions cannot depend entirely on AI or be reduced to a purely mechanical process.

"While AI's advancements are remarkable, it is essential to acknowledge its limitations, particularly in areas like legal adjudication where human judgment plays a pivotal role. Legal decision-making is far from being a mechanical or purely algorithmic process - it requires the nuanced understanding, empathy, and discretion of a human judge. Algorithms, no matter how advanced, lack the ability to factor in the human considerations that often guide judicial interventions to deliver justice," he said.

He added that the human element is critical not just for litigants, but for the larger society that places faith in the judiciary to uphold justice beyond rigid, procedural limits.

"This underscores the irreplaceable value of human insight in the legal system amidst the rise of AI," he observed.

Senior Advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi agreed that while AI could be used in some areas, such as the automation of routine tasks, it cannot replicant a nuanced judgment that human lawyers and judges bring to the table.

"AI must remain an efficient and obedient servant and never be allowed to become the master. It should always be viewed as a tool that can augment human capabilities allowing legal professionals to focus on more complex and strategic aspects of their work," he said.

By viewing AI as a complementary tool, rather than a replacement, we can harness the humungous potential of AI to advance justice, he added.

Founding Vice-Chancellor of JGU, Prof (Dr) C Raj Kumar spoke about the intersection between AI and robotics, and gave insight into the major global implications of AI in the legal domain.

These concerns included bias in AI systems, concerns about sovereignty when AI-driven platforms are used to resolve disputes, AI-driven data security breaches, the privacy and civil liberty implications that arise with AI-fuelled surveillance measures. It is crucial to address such issues to prevent the misuse of AI and maintain trust in the legal system, he observed.

“AI can improve access to justice through innovations like online dispute resolution. However, over-reliance on such technologies risks excluding those without digital literacy or access, particularly in rural areas. The digital divide must be addressed to avoid exacerbating inequities," he further said.

Executive Dean, JGLS, Prof (Dr) SG Sreejith also shared his insights on the newly launched programme, observing that it would help students understand changes and patterns in society.