Kerala High Court Restricts AI Usage in Judgments, Citing Accuracy and Compliance Concerns

In a recent move, the Kerala High Court has barred the use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, for creating judicial orders. This decision is accompanied by detailed instructions for judicial officers, emphasizing the risk of errors and misuse. The court has explicitly stated that cloud-based AI should not be employed in issuing orders and has warned of strict consequences for non-compliance. Moreover, the court has cautioned against using AI to formulate judgments or reach legal conclusions. The court has underscored the importance of proper training, encouraging participation in programs offered by the Judicial Academy or the High Court to ensure the correct use of approved AI tools. The High Court requires stringent monitoring of AI tools at every stage and mandates reporting any issues to its IT Department. This prohibition of AI use for judicial orders follows the earlier quashing of driving license exam reforms, where the court found the revised rules implemented by the State Transport Commissioner to be in violation of established jurisdictional boundaries, following a petition from driving schools who saw these changes as overreaching and limiting.