Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Wednesday cautioned that the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence technologies exhibits an inherent bias against economically disadvantaged populations, and warned that without constitutional guardrails and human-centred oversight, AI-driven systems risk widening existing inequalities. Speaking at the 8th Dinkar Memorial Lecture on "Rashmirathi: The Epic of Social Justice" organised by Respect India in New Delhi, the CJI underscored that social justice must remain the foundational pillar of a humane and equitable democracy.

Constitutional values as a counterweight

CJI Surya Kant invoked the literary legacy of poet Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar', whose epic Rashmirathi articulated ideals of equality and human dignity decades before they were formally enshrined in India's 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, drawing a direct parallel between Dinkar's philosophical vision and contemporary constitutional morality.

The persistence of inequality

Expressing concern over enduring disparities in Indian society, CJI Surya Kant noted that the inequalities highlighted in Dinkar's writings remain strikingly relevant seven decades after the Constitution's adoption. The CJI argued that literature and constitutional values together offer an enduring framework for preserving equality and social harmony — a framework that becomes increasingly urgent as emerging technologies reshape social and economic structures.

Technology's role in deepening exclusion

The CJI's warning about AI bias reflects growing judicial scrutiny of algorithmic decision-making in contexts ranging from credit scoring to criminal sentencing. Notably, he framed the challenge not as a technical problem alone, but as a moral and constitutional one: emerging technologies must be guided by constitutional values and human sensitivity, or risk automating and legitimising historical patterns of discrimination against marginalised communities.

Honouring Dinkar's legacy

On the occasion, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari was conferred the Dinkar Sanskriti Samman 2026 in recognition of his efforts to promote the poet's cultural and literary legacy. "Dinkar ji's poetry continues to inspire and reflect the strength of our cultural heritage," Tiwari said. The event drew participation from members of the judiciary, academia, and public intellectual circles.

Bridging law and literature

Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh, a former Additional Solicitor General, remarked that Dinkar's writings embodied the foundational principles of justice rooted in India's civilisational ethos. "This platform connects literary thought with contemporary legal and societal discourse," Singh said, highlighting the lecture series' role in bridging intellectual traditions. Respect India Founder and General Secretary Manish Kumar Chaudhary described the memorial lecture as a tribute to Dinkar's enduring ideas and their continuing resonance across generations, stating the organisation aims to bring together culture, ideas, and social responsibility.