Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, known for upholding courtroom discipline, had an intriguing interaction with an AI-driven legal assistant at the inauguration of the National Judicial Museum and Archive.
During the event, CJI Chandrachud posed a thought-provoking question to the AI, asking, “Is the death penalty constitutional in India?” The AI, represented as a virtual lawyer with a bow tie and advocate’s attire, confidently answered, “Yes, the death penalty is constitutional in India. It is applied in the rarest of rare cases as defined by the Supreme Court, reserved for crimes of exceptional severity.” The Chief Justice appeared satisfied with this accurate response.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, set to assume the role of Chief Justice next week, along with other distinguished judges, attended the ceremony.
In his remarks, CJI Chandrachud emphasized the significance of the newly established museum, stating that it embodies the values and pivotal role of the Supreme Court within the nation. He expressed hope that the museum would become an engaging space for younger visitors. “We want school and college students, as well as citizens beyond the legal profession, to experience the environment of the court and understand the importance of the rule of law and the dedication of judges and lawyers,” he noted.
The Chief Justice clarified that the museum’s focus was not solely on judges. “It highlights the Constitutional Assembly, the framers of the Constitution, and members of the Bar whose fearless advocacy has shaped the Court’s legacy. I encourage members of the Bar to visit and experience it. I hope that in the coming weeks, my successor will make it accessible for younger audiences to witness the essence of justice we experience daily.”
The National Judicial Museum, situated at the former site of the judges’ library, has sparked debate between the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), led by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, and the Chief Justice’s office. The SCBA had requested a library and lounge at the site to better accommodate its members.
In a recent statement, the SCBA voiced its concerns: “A museum is now being constructed in the former Judges Library location, despite our proposal for a library and cafe-lounge for Bar members due to the current cafeteria’s inadequacy. Our objections were noted, but work on the museum proceeded.”
