The rapid growth of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies is challenging traditional legal systems to keep pace with change. At the BRICS+ Legal Forum, Supreme Court Judge Justice Vikram Nath highlighted the need for a flexible and future-ready legal framework that can address technological developments while protecting human rights, accountability and the rule of law.
His remarks also underlined the importance of responsible AI governance and stronger cooperation among countries facing similar legal and technological challenges.
Justice Vikram Nath Stresses Need for Adaptive Laws and Responsible AI Governance at BRICS+ Forum
Supreme Court Judge Justice Vikram Nath has highlighted the need for legal systems to evolve alongside rapid technological, economic and geopolitical changes. Speaking at the 11th BRICS+ Legal Forum organised by the Bar Association of India, he called for a modern and flexible legal framework that can respond effectively to emerging challenges, particularly those created by artificial intelligence.
Law Must Keep Pace With Rapid Technological Change
Justice Vikram Nath observed that technology is developing at a speed that traditional law-making processes often struggle to match. New technologies can quickly transform society, markets and public institutions, while legal rules generally require extensive debate and deliberation before they are introduced.
According to him, the challenge before lawmakers and legal institutions is to create rules that are flexible enough to respond to technological developments without compromising accountability, fairness and individual rights.
He emphasised that the legal framework of the 21st century cannot remain static. It must be capable of adapting as technology, international relations and social conditions continue to change.
AI Governance Needs Human Oversight
Artificial intelligence was one of the major issues highlighted during the BRICS+ discussion.
Justice Nath noted that AI is already influencing economic and social activities across the world, and its role is expected to grow further. While AI can offer significant benefits, its development and use also raise important questions concerning safety, equality, human rights and access to technology.
A major concern is that AI systems are created by people and trained using large volumes of existing data. If that data contains social or historical inequalities, an AI system may unintentionally reproduce those biases.
For this reason, Justice Nath stressed that AI governance should not be left exclusively to technology companies or developers. Legal experts, judges, policymakers, scientists and representatives of civil society should all have a role in shaping rules for responsible AI use.
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Technology Cannot Replace Human Judgment
The Justice’s remarks also reflect his broader position that artificial intelligence should assist the justice system rather than replace judicial decision-making.
AI can potentially help courts organise information, classify cases, identify patterns and support translation or other administrative functions. However, deciding a case involves understanding facts, circumstances, competing rights and the human dimensions of a dispute.
Justice Nath has previously stressed that AI cannot substitute the judicial mind because judging requires human experience, discretion and the ability to balance competing considerations.
The Supreme Court’s continuing focus on judicial technology also shows that technological adoption is being considered alongside institutional safeguards and process reform. In April 2026, Justice Nath, as Chairperson of the Supreme Court’s eCommittee, participated in discussions on judicial process re-engineering, digital transformation and responsible technology integration.
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Rule of Law Important Amid Global Changes
Justice Nath further pointed to the growing impact of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and technological disruption on relations between countries.
As nations face increasingly complex cross-border issues, questions have also emerged about whether existing international institutions and legal arrangements are sufficiently equipped for today’s challenges.
In this environment, he described the rule of law as an important foundation for stable cooperation. A strong legal framework can provide predictability, promote institutional accountability and offer reliable mechanisms for resolving disputes.
He also underlined the importance of the legal component of BRICS cooperation, particularly as member countries work together in areas involving commerce, technology and other cross-border matters.
Different Legal Systems Can Still Find Common Ground
BRICS+ countries have different constitutional structures, legal traditions, cultures and social conditions. Justice Nath noted that these differences should not prevent nations from developing areas of mutual understanding.
India’s own experience of managing substantial cultural, linguistic and social diversity demonstrates that different perspectives can coexist within a broader legal framework.
Greater understanding between legal systems can therefore help countries cooperate more effectively on international trade, technological developments, dispute resolution and other common concerns.
BRICS Has Expanded Beyond Its Original Economic Focus
Justice Nath also referred to the evolution of the BRICS grouping.
The original BRIC concept was developed to describe the growing economic importance of Brazil, Russia, India and China. The group’s first summit was held in 2009, after which its areas of cooperation gradually expanded.
Today, BRICS discussions cover a much wider range of subjects, including sustainable development, institutional cooperation, technology and alternative methods of resolving disputes.
The expansion demonstrates why legal cooperation has become increasingly important as countries deepen their economic and institutional relationships.
Need for a 21st-Century Legal Framework
The central message from Justice Vikram Nath’s address was that law must remain responsive to a rapidly changing world.
Technological developments, particularly artificial intelligence, are creating opportunities as well as new legal and ethical risks. At the same time, geopolitical and economic changes are reshaping international cooperation.
A modern legal architecture therefore needs to combine innovation with accountability, technological progress with human oversight, and international cooperation with respect for different legal systems.
The discussion at the BRICS+ Legal Forum underlines the growing importance of legal institutions in addressing challenges that extend beyond national borders. As technology continues to advance, adaptable laws and responsible governance will be essential for protecting rights while allowing innovation to develop.