1. Beyond the Corporate Veil: AI Liability and the Future of Legal Accountability
Author: Advika Singh Malik, Symbiosis Law School, Noida
This paper examines the complex legal challenges surrounding AI liability in cases where autonomous systems cause harm. Through analysis of landmark cases like the 2018 Uber pedestrian fatality and the 2023 Two Sigma trading scandal, the author explores granting legal personhood to AI systems as a solution. The paper discusses applying corporate veil doctrine principles to AI liability, distinguishing between human-directed AI misconduct and autonomous AI actions. It proposes AI liability insurance as a complementary mechanism, similar to corporate insurance models, to address financial compensation and risk management in an era of increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence systems.
2. Digital Forensic: The Evolving Role of Digital Evidence in Modern Economy
Authors: Vaishnavi C and Chaitanya G, Dayananda Sagar University
This comprehensive study traces the evolution of digital forensics in India from the IT Act 2000 to current cybersecurity challenges. The authors analyze the dramatic increase in cybercrimes, with over 1.3 million attacks reported in 2022 and daily complaints reaching 7,000 by 2024. The paper examines key legislation including the Indian Evidence Act sections 65A and 65B, and new frameworks like BNSS and BNS 2023. It explores dark web forensics, notable cybercrime cases including Silk Road and Peter Scully, and emphasizes the critical role of digital evidence in modern law enforcement and economic security.
3. Digital Forensics in Cybercrime
Authors: Abhishek Chaurasia and Nitya Singh, Indore Institute of Law
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of digital forensics as a crucial tool in cybercrime investigation and prosecution. The authors examine the legal framework governing digital evidence, including Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act and international standards like the Budapest Convention. Key challenges addressed include encryption, emerging AI-based threats, jurisdictional disputes, and privacy concerns. The study emphasizes the need for standardized procedures, capacity building, and international cooperation. With cybercrime rising 24.4% in India during 2021, the paper advocates for enhanced public-private partnerships and AI integration while maintaining constitutional safeguards and due process requirements.
4. Google Spain SL v. Agencia Española de Protección de Datos: Analysis of the Right to Be Forgotten
Authors: Diksha Pardhan, National Law Institute University
This paper examines the landmark European Court of Justice decision that established the "Right to Be Forgotten" in EU data protection law. The case arose when Mario Costeja González requested removal of outdated personal information from Google search results. The Court ruled that search engines qualify as data controllers and must evaluate removal requests, balancing individual privacy rights against public interest. This groundbreaking judgment imposed new obligations on search engines and strengthened individual control over personal data, paving the way for GDPR's right to erasure while highlighting ongoing tensions between privacy and freedom of expression in the digital age.
5. Scars of Silence: From Nirbhaya to the New Laws - Has Anything Changed Beyond the Courtroom?
Authors: Nupur and Savyasanchi Khare, School of Law, SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Indore
This manuscript critically analyzes India's journey in addressing sexual violence through the lens of the 2012 Nirbhaya case (Mukesh & Anr. vs. State for NCT of Delhi). Despite legislative advancements including the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 2023, India continues to witness alarming rape statistics with over 31,000 cases reported in 2022. The paper examines the Supreme Court's application of the "rarest of rare" doctrine in upholding death sentences, while questioning whether legal reforms have translated into meaningful societal change. The analysis underscores the persistent gap between legislative intent and effective implementation in combating gender-based violence.
6. Nasscom vs. Ajay Sood and Ors.: Establishing Legal Precedent for Phishing and Cybercrime in India
Authors: Arti Yadav, Lloyd Law College, Greater Noida
This case commentary analyzes the landmark Delhi High Court decision that first defined "phishing" under Indian law despite the absence of specific legislation. The case involved fraudulent impersonation of Nasscom through a deceptively similar domain name to extract personal information. The Court ruled that phishing constitutes "misrepresentation in trade causing confusion" and granted injunctive relief, establishing crucial precedent for digital trademark protection. This decision demonstrated the Indian judiciary's adaptability in addressing emerging cybercrimes and reinforced confidence among intellectual property owners. The ruling laid foundational groundwork for cybersecurity jurisprudence and highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive cybercrime legislation in India's rapidly digitalizing landscape.
7. Subramanian Swamy vs. Union of India: Balancing Free Speech and Criminal Defamation
Authors: Heer Solanki and Delina Sharma, Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, Mumbai
This case commentary examines the Supreme Court's 2016 decision upholding the constitutionality of criminal defamation under Sections 499-500 IPC. Challenging the law as violating Article 19(1)(a), petitioners argued criminal defamation excessively restricts free speech. The Court ruled that reputation is integral to Article 21's right to life and dignity, justifying reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2). The judgment balanced individual rights against public interest, emphasizing that truth alone isn't sufficient defense unless serving public good. This decision significantly impacts free speech discourse in India, with ongoing debates about potential misuse of defamation laws to silence dissent and the need for legislative reforms.
8. Trust No Face: The Rise of Deepfakes in the Age of Financial Fraud
Authors: Vivek Choudhury & Asmi Chaturvedi, Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, NMIMS
This paper examines deepfake technology's escalating role in financial fraud, particularly in India. The authors trace deepfakes from their 1997 origins to current AI-generated media that enables sophisticated fraud schemes including CEO impersonation, synthetic identity creation, and KYC bypass attacks. With deepfake fraud increasing 1530% globally and India facing projected losses of ₹70,000 crores by 2025, the study analyzes current legal inadequacies in the IT Act 2000 and Digital Data Protection Act 2023. The research evaluates international regulatory models from the US and EU, recommending comprehensive AI-specific legislation, enhanced technological detection systems, and multi-layered authentication protocols to combat this emerging threat to financial security.
9. The Ethical Question of Using AI in the Court Rooms from the Vantage Point of Criminal Justice System
Authors: Kunal Singh, National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar & Rushali Pandey, D.Y. Patil College of Law, Mumbai
This paper explores the ethical implications of integrating artificial intelligence in judicial decision-making within criminal justice systems. The authors examine transparency, bias, and due process concerns through case studies of COMPAS (US) and SyRI (Netherlands) systems, highlighting how algorithmic decision-making can perpetuate societal biases and lack accountability. Despite AI's potential to reduce judicial burden and increase efficiency, the study emphasizes the need for human oversight in complex ethical determinations. The research advocates for a balanced approach, exemplified by Punjab and Haryana High Court's use of ChatGPT for bail jurisprudence insights, ensuring AI assists rather than replaces judicial discretion while maintaining constitutional principles of fairness and transparency.
10. Cyber Security in Finance
Authors: Kunal Singh, National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar & Rushali Pandey, D.Y. Patil College of Law, Mumbai
This comprehensive study addresses cybersecurity challenges in India's rapidly digitalizing financial sector. The authors analyze major cyber threats including phishing, ransomware, ATM malware, and identity theft, examining significant breaches like the Bangladesh Bank heist, Cosmos Bank attack, and Aadhaar data leak. The paper evaluates current security measures including encryption protocols, multi-factor authentication, and blockchain technology while exploring emerging solutions like AI-powered fraud detection and quantum-safe cryptography. Despite regulatory efforts by RBI and implementation of frameworks like NIST cybersecurity guidelines, the study emphasizes the need for continuous evolution of security measures, industry-wide collaboration, and consumer awareness to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats in India's digital financial ecosystem.
11. Sowing the Seeds of Regulation: Legal Landscapes of Green AI in Global Agriculture
Authors: Anusuya K. & Deesha Nahar P., Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University
This paper critically analyzes the legal frameworks governing Green AI applications in global agriculture, examining environmental sustainability initiatives across multiple jurisdictions. The authors explore how AI technologies enhance precision farming, livestock management, and resource optimization while addressing regulatory approaches by the UN, EU, US, and India. The study identifies key legal challenges including data privacy and ownership under India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, patentability issues under the Patents Act 1970, and liability concerns regarding autonomous agricultural systems. The research highlights the need for comprehensive AI-specific legislation, international collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure ethical deployment of Green AI technologies that promote sustainable agricultural practices while protecting farmer interests and national security.
12. Digital Inclusion in Justice
Author: Aakriti Sharma, KLE Law College
Abstract: This policy framework addresses the critical need for digital inclusion in India's justice system, ensuring equal access to legal services for all citizens regardless of socio-economic status. The paper outlines comprehensive strategies for technological penetration in judiciary operations, including online hearings, live streaming of court cases, and digital infrastructure development. Key provisions include establishing Executive Council Boards, creating separate portals for civil and criminal matters, and implementing strict penalties for fund misuse. The policy emphasizes constitutional principles of equality before law while promoting technological advancement to reduce case backlogs and strengthen public trust in the judiciary through transparent, accessible digital legal services.
13. Policy Framework: AI Applications in Renewable Energy
Author: R. Yokesh, SKP Law College
Abstract: This comprehensive policy framework explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence in renewable energy systems to enhance efficiency, grid stability, and environmental sustainability. The document outlines seven key objectives including AI-driven energy optimization, predictive analytics for forecasting, and smart grid implementation. Policy measures encompass data standardization, financial incentives, cybersecurity protocols, and workforce training initiatives. The framework addresses implementation challenges such as high initial costs, ethical concerns, and cybersecurity threats through structured mitigation strategies. By establishing regulatory guidelines and promoting public-private partnerships, this policy aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy while ensuring responsible AI deployment and alignment with national climate goals.
14. Digital Inclusion in Justice: Tech-Enabled Legal Aid for Marginalized Groups
Authors: Ms. Sonal Khichi & Ms. Pruthali Soni, KES Shri. Jayantilal Patel Law College, Mumbai
Abstract: This policy presentation addresses digital exclusion barriers in India's justice system, particularly affecting marginalized communities, rural populations, and people with disabilities. The framework establishes nine core objectives including universal access to digital legal services, enhanced digital literacy, and strengthened cybersecurity measures. Key provisions include implementing AI-powered legal chatbots, Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platforms, and accessibility-compliant legal technology design. The policy emphasizes multilingual support, voice-based interfaces, and inclusive design specifications to ensure equitable access. Through government-sponsored initiatives, public-private partnerships, and comprehensive training programs, this framework aims to bridge the digital divide and democratize legal aid services for India's most vulnerable populations.