The Adhivakta Parishad Delhi High Court Unit commemorated Advocate’s Day on December 19, 2025, with an enlightening discussion on the theme “The Advocates in the Age of Algorithm – Balancing Law, Ethics and Technology.” The event took place at the High Court of Delhi, attracting a distinguished gathering of legal luminaries, scholars, and practicing advocates. The celebration, marked by intellectual discourse and professional reflection, explored the evolving relationship between law and technology in the era of artificial intelligence.
The event was graced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Naveen Chawla, Judge of the Delhi High Court, as the Chief Guest, alongside Rajesh Khanna, Distinguished Advocate and Key Speaker, Sanjay Poddar, President of Adhivakta Parishad and Senior Advocate, and Gaurav Bhardawaj, Advocate at the Delhi High Court.
The program began with the National Song, setting a solemn and respectful tone for the proceedings. Members of the bar, young advocates, and law students attended in large numbers, reflecting the profession’s growing interest in the intersection of technology, ethics, and justice delivery.
Justice Naveen Chawla: “Technology is a Tool, Not a Master”
Addressing the gathering, Justice Naveen Chawla highlighted the transformative role of technology in the legal system, while cautioning against over-dependence. He commended the Supreme Court of India for launching apps in vernacular languages and online case portals to improve accessibility for litigants. He emphasized that these initiatives have democratized legal access, particularly benefiting underprivileged sections through Legal Aid services.
However, Justice Chawla underscored the need for caution and responsibility. “Technology is a tool—do not become a servant of it,” he stated firmly. “If we surrender to technology, it may eventually replace us. The legal profession must retain the human touch, discernment, and empathy that machines cannot replicate.”
He observed that while artificial intelligence (AI) and digital research tools have made legal work faster, they have also diminished the human element in research and reasoning. “Technology has deluded the charm of human research and efficiency. There are often misrepresentations and hallucinations by AI systems. Therefore, authentication and verification are essential,” he said.
Justice Chawla’s remarks resonated strongly with the audience, who shared his concern about the ethical implications of relying excessively on automated legal tools. His balanced perspective set the tone for a constructive discussion that followed.
Rajesh Khanna: “AI is for Assistance, Not for Existence”
Taking the discussion further, Rajesh Khanna, a Distinguished Advocate, reflected on the evolution of the legal profession from the traditional to the digital era. He compared the manual rigor of earlier generations with the technological ease of today’s advocates, observing how algorithms have reshaped the way law is practiced.
“We used to go through books and journals, but today’s generation relies heavily on technology,” Khanna remarked. “Algorithms are making the legal profession faster and smarter, but the essence of advocacy lies beyond data and code. We are not only practitioners of law but also officers of society.”
Khanna emphasized the continued relevance of jurisprudence and ethical grounding, warning that while AI can serve as a powerful co-counsel, it should not become a replacement for human judgment. “AI tools must be used with caution. There is often misrepresentation by AI, and these tools should remain assistants, not authorities,” he said.
He pointed out that the Supreme Court of India has begun to acknowledge the presence of AI in the judicial process, citing cases that reference AI-generated materials and the need for their authentication and contextual understanding. According to him, the algorithmic future of law carries both a bright and a dark side, and it is up to advocates to steer it responsibly.
“AI should complement our intellectual capacity, not replace it. The human mind remains the final arbiter of justice, not machines,” Khanna concluded, drawing applause from the audience.
Sanjay Poddar: “Guiding the Next Generation of Advocates”
Sanjay Poddar, President of Adhivakta Parishad and Senior Advocate at the Delhi High Court, delivered a deeply insightful address focusing on the responsibilities of senior members of the Bar towards nurturing young advocates.
He began by reaffirming the motto of Adhivakta Parishad, “Nyaya Parmo Dharma” — Justice is the Supreme Duty. Poddar emphasized that this guiding principle should inform not just the conduct of advocates in court but also their moral and social commitments.
“Young advocates must be guided in the right direction—with adequate stipends, mentorship, and understanding of their challenges,” he said. He spoke about the Study Circles organized by the Parishad at the District, High Court, and Supreme Court levels, describing them as valuable forums for legal discussion, ethical orientation, and practical learning.
Poddar urged for the regular organization of Moot Court competitions to help law students and junior advocates cultivate analytical skills and courtroom etiquette. “By inculcating these practices among young lawyers, we ensure that they contribute genuinely and uphold the dignity of the profession,” he noted.
He further emphasized the need for continued learning and humility in a profession that constantly evolves. “An advocate’s strength lies not in the number of cases won, but in the integrity and sincerity with which they serve society,” he remarked.
Gaurav Bhardawaj: Extending Gratitude and Reflection
As the session drew to a close, Advocate Gaurav Bhardawaj delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all dignitaries, participants, and organizers who made the event a success. He highlighted the significance of the day, describing Advocate’s Day as not merely a celebration but a reminder of the advocate’s role in preserving justice, ethics, and democracy.
Bhardawaj expressed gratitude to Justice Naveen Chawla for his guidance and to Rajesh Khanna and Sanjay Poddar for sharing their wisdom on how the legal fraternity can balance the demands of technology with ethical responsibility. He also appreciated the efforts of the Adhivakta Parishad Delhi High Court Unit for hosting such a meaningful and timely event.
The program concluded with the National Anthem, symbolizing unity, respect, and collective commitment to the ideals of justice and national integrity.
Technology and Law: The Emerging Dialogue
The 2025 celebration of Advocate’s Day by the Adhivakta Parishad Delhi High Court Unit underscored an essential truth: technology is reshaping the legal world, but it cannot replace the human essence of law. The discussions reflected a shared vision among jurists and advocates—that while AI, algorithms, and digital tools are transforming legal research and courtroom efficiency, ethical reasoning and human discretion must remain the foundation of the justice system.
The theme “The Advocates in the Age of Algorithm” could not have been more relevant. Across the world, courts are experimenting with AI-driven case management systems, digital filings, predictive analytics, and legal chatbots. Yet, these advancements come with significant ethical challenges—ranging from data privacy and algorithmic bias to misrepresentation and accountability.
By addressing these complexities, the event highlighted the need for regulatory frameworks, professional training, and technological literacy among lawyers. It also brought forth an important realization—that advocates today must be as comfortable with digital tools as they are with the Constitution, and as conscious of ethics as they are of efficiency.
The Delhi High Court’s ongoing efforts to introduce digital filing systems, e-courts, and hybrid hearings represent the judiciary’s adaptation to the modern era. But as the speakers reminded, the success of these tools depends not merely on technological sophistication but on human integrity, diligence, and responsibility.
The Advocate’s Day celebration organized by the Adhivakta Parishad Delhi High Court Unit served as a timely reflection on the legal profession’s evolution in the digital age. From the insightful caution of Justice Naveen Chawla to the thoughtful guidance of Rajesh Khanna and Sanjay Poddar, the discussions offered a balanced understanding of how advocates can navigate the complex intersection of law, ethics, and technology.
The event reaffirmed that while algorithms may assist, justice ultimately remains a human pursuit—anchored in conscience, empathy, and accountability. The collective voices at the Delhi High Court reminded the legal fraternity that technology should remain a servant of justice, not its master.
As the program concluded with the national anthem echoing through the courtroom halls, it symbolized more than a ritual; it marked the profession’s renewed commitment to ethical advocacy, responsible innovation, and unwavering dedication to the rule of law.
