AI misuse could undermine justice: Law Minister

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman has warned that misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in drafting verdicts and analysing evidence could undermine justice, urging judicial officials to gain their digital skills as the government advances e-judiciary reforms. 

He also criticised alleged negligence among some judicial officers, stressing that digitalisation must go hand in hand with accountability, efficiency and public trust.

Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘e-Family Appellate Court’ at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Dhaka on Thursday, he said the judiciary must adapt to technological changes while ensuring transparent and accessible justice.

“AI will be one of the greatest challenges facing the judiciary in the coming days. There is a risk that using AI to draft verdicts or analyse evidence could compromise the administration of justice. The ability to replicate human voices with extreme precision will also pose a significant challenge,” he remarked.

With more than 46 lakh cases pending nationwide and around 2,300 judges responsible for their disposal, Asaduzzaman described the caseload as an “inhumane burden”, particularly in metropolitan courts such as Dhaka and Chattogram.

“We are working to alleviate this pressure,” he added, noting that the government was considering measures to appoint capable and proactive judicial officers to courts facing heavy caseloads. 

He also expressed concern over allegations that some judicial officers begin work around 11am and finish by 1.30pm or 2pm.
“Such a lax approach to work is unacceptable. If negligence in the discharge of duties is proven, action will be taken against the officers concerned,” he warned.

The minister stressed that the e-judiciary initiative must cover every stage of judicial proceedings to reduce delays, costs and risks while improving accountability.

“We have already introduced the e-bail bond system, and the public has begun to reap its benefits. We also have provisions for recording testimony and registering court appearances digitally, and we are exploring how to expand these processes,” he said.

He added that digital appearances had already been introduced for certain defendants at the International Crimes Tribunal, allowing them to participate in proceedings from prison on scheduled dates, subject to confirmation by the court.

Emphasising the need to restore public confidence in the justice system, Asaduzzaman urged judicial officers to be punctual, conscientious and responsive to the needs of litigants.

“We must move away from a situation where those seeking justice are subjected to harassment in court for days and months on end,” he said, adding that digital transformation must ensure that justice remains accessible, transparent and free from corruption.
The minister expressed confidence that younger judges, with their technical proficiency, would help the judiciary adapt to emerging challenges and make court proceedings more efficient.