Union Minister for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, has inaugurated India’s first-ever Bachelor of Arts (BA) programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Law at Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), part of OP Jindal Global University (JGU). The announcement, made during a seminar on “Artificial Intelligence and Law,” marks a significant milestone in integrating AI with legal education.
Bridging Technology and Law
The newly launched BA programme is designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge of AI technologies and their application in legal contexts. By addressing areas such as AI policy-making, compliance, and legal ethics, the course aims to create professionals adept at navigating the intersection of law and technology.
Union Minister Meghwal highlighted AI’s potential in resolving systemic challenges like case backlogs and linguistic barriers in the judicial system. While emphasizing the ethical challenges posed by AI, including data privacy and security, Meghwal remarked, “We must embrace technology to address present challenges while ensuring its responsible use.”
Expert Insights on AI’s Role in Law
The seminar featured prominent figures, including Supreme Court Justice Dipankar Dutta, Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, alongside policymakers and legal scholars. Discussions revolved around the transformative impact of AI on legal services and its implications for global legal practices.
Justice Dutta acknowledged AI’s potential to revolutionize legal services but stressed the uncertainties surrounding its long-term effects on the profession. Attorney General Venkataramani and Solicitor General Mehta highlighted the irreplaceable role of human judgment in legal decision-making, emphasizing that AI should complement, not replace, legal professionals.
Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi echoed these sentiments, advocating for a balanced approach to AI integration. “AI must remain an efficient and obedient servant,” Singhvi stated, urging the legal community to address AI-related challenges such as bias and transparency while harnessing its potential to improve access to justice.
Transformative Potential and Ethical Challenges
Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, highlighted five areas where AI could transform legal practices. These include enhancing legal analytics, addressing AI bias, advancing cybersecurity, and aiding in cross-border dispute resolution. AI could also enable automated law enforcement, he noted. However, he warned that the absence of clear policies and the digital divide might worsen inequities, especially in rural areas.
The seminar also discussed how AI can improve access to justice through tools like online dispute resolution. Participants emphasized the need for robust regulations to ensure accountability and fairness in the use of AI.
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Admissions Open for India’s First AI-Law Programme
The three-year BA programme in Artificial Intelligence and Law is open to students from all academic streams who have cleared the 10+2 examination. Admission will be based on national-level entrance exams, including L-NAT UK, JSAT-Law, CLAT-UG, and CUET-UG. The course aims to nurture a new generation of legal professionals equipped to navigate the complexities of AI-driven legal systems.
With this pioneering initiative, JGLS aims to position India at the forefront of AI integration in legal education, paving the way for innovation, ethical practices, and a more efficient judicial system.
