Justice Surya Kant of the Supreme Court recently shared a critical word of caution with the newest batch of Advocates-on-Record (AoR), urging them to maintain personal oversight in their legal drafting. Speaking at a ceremony organized by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA), he emphasized that young lawyers should personally draft their petitions rather than outsourcing the labor to Artificial Intelligence or junior staff. This advice highlights a growing concern within the higher judiciary regarding the preservation of legal craftsmanship in the age of automation.

The Justice noted that while technology is a valuable tool for research and administrative efficiency, it cannot replace the nuanced human intelligence required for legal strategy. He argued that when a lawyer personally drafts a petition, they gain a deeper understanding of the case facts and the intricate legal questions involved. This "hands-on" approach is seen as essential for building a solid foundation for oral arguments and effective representation before the bench.

A significant portion of the address focused on the unique role of an Advocate-on-Record as the "face" of the litigant before the Supreme Court. Justice Surya Kant reminded the new inductees that an AoR carries a high level of professional responsibility and accountability. By relying too heavily on AI-generated content, lawyers risk overlooking subtle legal precedents or factual errors that could potentially jeopardize their clients' interests and the court's time.

The call for personal drafting also touches upon the ethics of professional development. The Justice suggested that the early years of practice are the most formative, and the struggle of drafting complex pleadings is where a lawyer truly hones their skill set. Avoiding this labor through shortcuts like AI could lead to a "mechanical" approach to the law, where the attorney fails to develop the critical thinking skills necessary for high-stakes litigation.

Beyond drafting, the speech served as a broader reflection on the evolving nature of the legal profession. Justice Surya Kant acknowledged that the legal landscape is changing rapidly, but insisted that the core values of the profession—diligence, integrity, and personal application—must remain constant. He encouraged the new AoRs to view technology as a supplement to their intellect, not a substitute for it.

The Justice also highlighted that petitions filed in the Supreme Court often involve significant constitutional or public interest questions. In such cases, the language and framing of the petition are paramount. AI, he cautioned, often lacks the contextual sensitivity to frame arguments that resonate with the specific judicial philosophy or the socio-legal reality of the Indian landscape.

Furthermore, the address touched upon the relationship between the Bar and the Bench. Justice Surya Kant pointed out that well-drafted, concise, and personally reviewed petitions significantly aid the judges in the speedy disposal of cases. Conversely, repetitive or poorly structured petitions—often a hallmark of unedited AI output—contribute to the burgeoning pendency of cases and place an unnecessary burden on the judicial system.

Concluding his address, the Justice congratulated the new AoRs on clearing one of the most rigorous exams in the legal field. He reminded them that their success in the exam was a testament to their personal capability, and they should carry that same spirit of personal excellence into their daily practice. The message was clear: the future of the Indian judiciary depends on a Bar that is technologically savvy but intellectually independent.