India: Punjab and Haryana High Court Bars Judges from Using AI Tools for Judgments and Legal Research

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed judges across Punjab, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh not to use artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and other similar platforms for writing judgments or conducting legal research.

The decision was communicated to District and Sessions Judges across the two states and Chandigarh through an official letter issued by the High Court administration.

According to the communication, the directive was issued on the instructions of the Chief Justice. The letter stated that judicial officers working under their jurisdiction must refrain from using AI tools for judicial work.

“Hon’ble the Chief Justice has been pleased to ask you to direct the Judicial Officers working under your control not to use Artificial Intelligence tools including but not limited to Chat GPT, Gemini, Copilot, Meta etc. for writing of judgements and legal research. Any violation of these instructions will be viewed seriously,” the letter stated.

The directive reflects growing caution within the judiciary regarding the use of artificial intelligence in legal decision-making and judicial processes.

The development follows a similar move by the Gujarat High Court, which recently introduced a policy prohibiting judges and court staff from using artificial intelligence tools for drafting orders, preparing judgments, or assisting in judicial decision-making.

These measures highlight increasing judicial scrutiny of AI tools, particularly concerns about accuracy, confidentiality, and reliability in legal proceedings.