'AI Can't Replace Lawyer Or Judge But Must Be Harnessed To Our Advantage': Justice CM Joshi Bids Farewell To Karnataka High Court

While speaking at his farewell address organized at the Karnataka High Court on Friday (January 23), Justice Chandarashekar Mrutyunjaya Joshi emphasized on harnessing Artificial Intelligence to advantage of the legal professionals while remarking that it can never replace a lawyer or a judge.

Recounting his experience in the judicial service Justice Joshi said:

"Legal fraternity continues to grapple with rapid technological advancement. It is imperative that we equip ourselves with skills necessary to use technology effectively. While artificial intelligence can never replace a lawyer or a judge it is essential we learn to harness it to our advantage. Simultaneously there is a pressing need for comprehensive human resource management policies within our institutions to enhance efficiency. Individual performance metrics must align with broader organizational objectives to ensure optimal institutional outcomes".

Recounting his experience when he entered the high court first, Justice Joshi said, "When I first entered this court a few years ago I did so with profound humility and deep sense of responsibility. Task of determining rights of individuals is a solemn obligation- one which no judge can ever approach light. If during my years on the bench I have been able to discharge this duty with fairness and balance it is entirely due to guidance encouragement and institutional support I received from this court and from every place where I have worked".

The judge expressed his gratitude for the generous words made by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and the Chairman of State Bar Council VD Kamaraddi in their address. Reflecting on his journey Justice Joshi said that throughout his career he has learnt immensely from the bar, from the court staff and from his colleagues.

He thanked his father for laying the foundation of values in this profession. He also thanked the contribution of his mentors and friends towards his growth.

"My fathers compassion towards the underprivileged prepared me for life beyond the courtroom. My mother who is present today, stood by me at every stage. I bow to her with reverence and gratitude. As I had mentioned, my alma mater extends beyond formal institutions and classrooms...it includes mentors, friends, guides from diverse walks of life particularly those engaged in social service. Who taught me importance of inclusivity and social responsibility...shaped my world view and instilled the values that define our nation. I remain indebted to all such institutions and individuals..." he said.

Justice Joshi said that his colleagues on the bench both in the high court and district judiciary have consistently extended cooperation and kindness and timely support.

He said that he had the privilege of sitting alongside judges of exceptional learning and unquestionable integrity adding, "Our deliberations whether marked with concurrence or divergence were always guided by shared commitment to justice...I sincerely thank all my brother and sister judges for their warmth and camaraderie".

Justice Joshi also thanked the members of the bar who he said had played an equally vital role in his judicial journey. "Your submissions kept me intellectually engaged, and more importantly grounded in the principal. Your arguments tested my patience, challenged my perspective and refined my understanding of the law. For this I offer my sincere appreciation," he said. He further thanked his wife, his daughters and other family members for their love and support and acknowledged their contribution.

He further thanked Supreme Court judges Justices BV Nagarathna, Justice Arvind Kumar, Justice SC Sharma, Justice Prasanna B Varale, Justice NV Anjari and Justice Alok Aradhe for their guidance, encouragement and constant support. He also thanked the support of the judges in the district judiciary and thanked all former judges of the high court who extended their guidance and support in discharge of his judicial duty. He further thanked the Registry and its officials for their cooperation and assistance as well as his support staff.

While concluding, the judge said that as he steps away today from his office, he does so without regret, carrying with him a sense of peace and cherished memory, conscious that he had endeavored to discharge his duties to the best of his abilities in accordance with dictats of his conscience.

"May the rule of law always prevail. May constitutional values endure. And may this hon'ble court continue to stand as a beacon of justice and hope," the judge said.

He ended his address by quoting the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niraamayaah; Sarve Bhadraanni Pashyantu, Maa Kashcid-Duhkha-Bhaag-Bhavet' (May all beings be happy, May all be free from illness. May all behold what is good and auspicious, May none be afflicted by sorrow).

Born on 24.01.1964, Justice Joshi a native of Hubballi, enrolled as an Advocate and practiced at Hubballi. He was appointed as Munsiff on 08.02.1995 and thereafter as a District Judge on 06.07.2009.

He served as Deputy Secretary, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, Central Project Co-ordinator (Computers), Registrar (Computers) at Karnataka High Court and as Principal District & Sessions Judge, Udupi, Belagavi & Principal City Civil & Sessions Judge, Bengaluru. He was sworn-in as an Additional Judge of the High Court on 16.08.2022 and was made a Permanent Judge on 16.04.2024.