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CJI Surya Kant Warns AI Shows Inherent Bias Against the Poor

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant cautioned that artificial intelligence exhibits an inherent bias against the poor, warning it risks deepening social exclusion. Delivering the 8th Dinkar Memorial Lecture, he stressed that equality, dignity, and social harmony remain essential in a democracy. The CJI noted that disparities highlighted in poet Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar's works persist even after seven decades. He urged that emerging technologies must be guided by constitutional values and human sensitivity to preserve social justice.

Key Points: CJI: AI Bias Against Poor Risks Deepening Inequality

  • CJI Surya Kant warns AI shows inherent bias against the poor
  • Social justice must remain cornerstone of equitable society
  • Dinkar's epic Rashmirathi highlights persisting inequalities
  • AI risk deepening exclusion without constitutional values
2 min read

AI showing inherent bias against poor: CJI Surya Kant

CJI Surya Kant cautions that AI exhibits inherent bias against the poor, urging constitutional values to guide emerging tech for social justice.

"In a democracy, equality, dignity and social harmony are essential. Merely passing laws is not enough unless every individual is treated with dignity and respect - CJI Surya Kant"

New Delhi, May 6

Stressing that social justice must remain the cornerstone of a humane and equitable society, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Wednesday cautioned that the rapid rise of artificial intelligence is exhibiting an inherent bias against the poor.

Delivering the 8th Dinkar Memorial Lecture on "Rashmirathi: The Epic of Social Justice", organised by Respect India, CJI Surya Kant said the ideals of equality and human dignity found powerful expression in the works of Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar' even before they were enshrined in the Constitution.

"In a democracy, equality, dignity and social harmony are essential. Merely passing laws is not enough unless every individual is treated with dignity and respect," the CJI said, invoking the lessons from Dinkar's epic Rashmirathi.

Expressing concern over persisting inequalities in society, he said that even after seven decades, the disparities highlighted in Dinkar's writings continue to remain relevant in contemporary times.

The CJI added that the ideals and practice of social justice form the foundation of a just social order and warned that emerging technologies, including AI-driven systems, risk deepening exclusion if not guided by constitutional values and human sensitivity. He further said that literature and Constitutional morality together offer an enduring framework for preserving equality and social harmony in society.

On the occasion, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari was conferred the Dinkar Sanskriti Samman 2026 in recognition of his contribution to promoting the poet's legacy.

"Dinkar ji's poetry continues to inspire and reflect the strength of our cultural heritage," he said.

The memorial lecture witnessed participation from members of the judiciary, academia, and public life.

In his remarks on the occasion, Supreme Court Bar Association President and former Additional Solicitor General Vikas Singh said Dinkar's writings reflected the foundational principles of justice rooted in India's civilisational ethos. "This platform connects literary thought with contemporary legal and societal discourse," he said.

Respect India Founder and General Secretary Manish Kumar Chaudhary said the memorial lecture was a tribute to Dinkar's enduring legacy and ideas that continue to inspire generations. "We want this platform to bring together culture, ideas, and social responsibility," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Absolutely true. Look at how AI hiring tools in India already filter out candidates from Tier-2/3 cities or with regional accents. The Constitution and Dinkar's poetry are still relevant - social justice can't be left to algorithms alone.
J
James A
Interesting perspective from an Indian perspective. Here in the US we've seen similar issues - facial recognition misidentifying people of color, loan algorithms denying poor neighborhoods. It's a global problem that needs constitutional safeguards.
R
Rohit P
I agree with the concern but let's be practical. AI is just a tool - it's humans who program it. The real question is: will our judiciary and legislature ensure that AI development in India follows our constitutional values? Justice delayed is justice denied - even for AI bias.
K
Kavya N
CJI Surya Kant is spot on! Dinkar's Rashmirathi talks about Karna's struggle against social prejudice - it's the same story playing out with AI today. The poor will always be at a disadvantage if we don't consciously build inclusive technology. 👏
S
Siddharth J
Good point but I wish the CJI also addressed how the judiciary itself needs to modernise. We can't talk about AI bias when courts still have manual case filing systems that disadvantage poor litigants. Digitisation with checks and balances is the way forward.
M

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