Supreme Court Judge Highlights Urgent Legal Reforms at International Legal Conference 2025
New Delhi, May 10 – Supreme Court judge Justice Manmohan on Saturday emphasized the urgent need for India’s legal system to evolve in step with rapid technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), data privacy, and cybersecurity. He was addressing the 'International Legal Conference 2025' in the capital, centred around the theme ‘India's Legal and Regulatory Framework: Navigating International Trade Opportunities’.The conference was jointly organized by the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), and the Indian National Association of Legal Professionals (INALP).
AI and Intellectual Property: "A Brilliant but Unpredictable Teenager"
Justice Manmohan described AI as “a brilliant but unpredictable teenager, full of potential, but still learning the rules,” pointing to its ability to compose music, design products, and write books. However, he raised a critical question about the ownership of such AI-generated content, calling it a pressing intellectual property challenge with no easy answers.Data Privacy and Cybersecurity: Pillars of the Digital Economy
Reinforcing the importance of data security, Justice Manmohan lauded the Digital Personal Data Protection Act as a significant step towards building a rights-based data regime. He reaffirmed the Supreme Court’s recognition of privacy as a fundamental right, highlighting that a secure digital environment is non-negotiable for global trade and investment.“Cybersecurity is the foundation of a digital economy,” he said, calling for stringent penalties and a strong culture of cyber resilience. “International cooperation is essential, as cyber threats rarely respect borders.”
Courts Must Adapt for Business Certainty
Stressing the importance of a predictable and efficient judicial system, he said, “Our courts are evolving to meet the needs of businesses, which require certainty and efficiency to flourish in global trade.”Intellectual Property and Global Dispute Resolution
Justice Manmohan also addressed the complexities of international intellectual property disputes, using mobile phones as an example. “Every mobile phone today contains about 3,000 to 4,000 patents,” he said, referring to Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) that support global interoperability. He questioned whether royalties should be determined country-by-country or under a global standard, suggesting the current mechanisms are under strain and need a significant overhaul.India’s FinTech Leadership and Regulatory Challenges
Acknowledging India’s leadership in the FinTech revolution, particularly through the widely lauded Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Justice Manmohan said that innovation in insurance, wealth management, and financial inclusion was transforming the economy.“But rapid innovation brings new regulatory challenges. Legal frameworks must enable innovation while safeguarding consumer interests, data privacy, financial stability, and preventing illicit activities,” he added.
A Defining Moment for India’s Global Trade Role
Justice Manmohan concluded on an optimistic note, calling this a defining moment for India's global trade expansion. “International law may feel like a storm at sea. But with our constitutional values as the vessel and the rule of law as the compass, we will find our way.”SILF president Lalit Bhasin also addressed the gathering, which concluded with a tribute to the Indian armed forces and homage to those who lost their lives in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.