Algorithmic Governance and the Rule of Law in India: Regulating Artificial Intelligence Beyond Automation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to private technological innovation; it has increasingly entered the domain of governance, administration, policing, welfare distribution, and judicial decision-making in India. From predictive policing software and facial recognition systems to automated welfare eligibility tools and AI-assisted judicial research, algorithmic systems are reshaping how the State exercises power. This paper examines the emerging phenomenon of algorithmic governance in India and critically analyses its compatibility with constitutional values, administrative law principles, and the rule of law. It argues that existing Indian legal frameworks are ill-equipped to address the opacity, discretion, and accountability deficits inherent in AI-driven governance. The paper proposes a rights-centric regulatory framework rooted in constitutional morality, transparency, and human oversight. The study adopts a doctrinal and analytical methodology and draws from comparative jurisdictions to suggest reforms tailored to the Indian constitutional context.