March 03, 2026 : The Supreme Court of India has taken serious exception to a trial court order that relied on fabricated case laws generated through artificial intelligence, calling it a matter of judicial misconduct.

The issue surfaced when it was found that several precedents cited in the trial court’s judgment did not exist in any official legal database or law reports. On closer scrutiny, it appeared that the so-called judgments had been produced using AI tools and were mistakenly treated as genuine judicial authorities.

Expressing concern over the lapse, the Supreme Court observed that citing non-existent decisions strikes at the very foundation of the judicial process. The Bench noted that such errors not only compromise the quality of judicial reasoning but also erode public trust in the administration of justice. Judges, the Court emphasised, have a clear obligation to independently verify the authenticity of legal authorities before relying on them in their orders.

The Court clarified that while technology, including AI-based research tools, can assist in legal research, it cannot replace judicial application of mind. Any material sourced through such platforms must be subjected to careful cross-verification with official and recognised legal records. Failure to do so, the Court indicated, constitutes a serious professional lapse.

Taking note of the gravity of the matter, the Supreme Court directed that appropriate action be considered in accordance with law. It reiterated that judicial discipline, accuracy in citing precedents, and reliance on authentic legal sources are essential to preserving the integrity of the justice delivery system.