AI Surveillance vs Fundamental Rights: A Study in the Indian Context

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed surveillance systems, raising critical concerns about its impact on fundamental rights in India. Technologies such as facial recognition, biometric identification, and data analytics are increasingly being deployed for purposes like crime prevention, national security, and smart governance. While these developments enhance efficiency and public safety, they also pose serious risks to individual freedoms, particularly the right to privacy, freedom of expression, and equality guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. This paper examines the intersection between AI-based surveillance and fundamental rights, focusing on the legal, ethical, and technological dimensions of this issue. It analyzes how large-scale data collection and continuous monitoring can lead to misuse, lack of accountability, and potential discrimination due to algorithmic bias. The study also considers the absence of comprehensive regulatory frameworks in India, which further intensifies these concerns.Using a descriptive and analytical approach based on secondary sources such as research articles, legal documents, and case studies, the paper evaluates both the benefits and challenges of AI surveillance. The findings suggest that although AI-driven systems contribute to improved governance and security, their unchecked use can undermine democratic values and civil liberties. The paper concludes that there is an urgent need for a balanced framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and legal safeguards. Effective regulation and ethical implementation of AI technologies are essential to protect fundamental rights while leveraging the benefits of surveillance systems in a rapidly evolving digital society.