ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND LAW: IS THE INDIAN LEGAL FRAMEWORK READY?
AUTHOR – TEJAS R GOWDA, STUDENT AT CHRIST DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY
BEST CITATION – TEJAS R GOWDA, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND LAW: IS THE INDIAN LEGAL FRAMEWORK READY?, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (3) OF 2026, PG. 617-628, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344. DOI – https://doi.org/10.65393/JPRB7370
ABSTRACT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming governance, public administration, and law enforcement across the globe. Governments are integrating algorithmic systems into decision-making processes in order to improve efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and enhance security mechanisms. In India, artificial intelligence technologies such as facial recognition systems, predictive policing tools, and advanced data analytics platforms are gradually becoming embedded within law enforcement frameworks. While these technological innovations promise enhanced public safety and improved efficiency in criminal investigations, they simultaneously raise significant legal, ethical, and constitutional concerns.
Despite the rapid adoption of AI technologies, India currently lacks a comprehensive legal framework governing the development, deployment, and accountability of artificial intelligence systems. Existing legislation such as the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 provide only fragmented regulatory oversight. These statutes were enacted before the widespread emergence of sophisticated algorithmic systems and therefore fail to address the complex legal challenges associated with modern AI technologies.
This research paper examines the readiness of the Indian legal framework to regulate artificial intelligence technologies used in law enforcement, with particular emphasis on facial recognition systems. The study evaluates the constitutional implications of AI-based surveillance technologies under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India, focusing on the protection of equality, privacy, and personal liberty. Through doctrinal legal analysis and comparative evaluation of international regulatory models—particularly the European Union’s proposed Artificial Intelligence Act—the paper identifies significant gaps in India’s regulatory approach.
The research argues that the absence of comprehensive legal safeguards governing artificial intelligence creates a regulatory vacuum that may facilitate arbitrary state action and undermine fundamental rights. To address these concerns, the paper proposes the enactment of dedicated artificial intelligence legislation, the establishment of independent oversight authorities, and the implementation of transparency and accountability mechanisms governing algorithmic systems. Ultimately, the paper concludes that India must urgently develop a balanced regulatory framework that promotes technological innovation while safeguarding constitutional freedoms and democratic values.