Kerala High Court Bans Use of AI Tools in Court Orders and Judgments

In a significant move, the Kerala High Court has issued fresh guidelines restricting the use of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT in drafting court orders or judgments. The directive applies to all district-level courts across the state and reflects growing concerns about accuracy, bias, and misuse of AI in judicial processes.

Clear Line Between Assistance and Decision-Making
The court clarified that while AI tools can be used for basic legal research or locating past judgments, they must not influence the actual reasoning or wording of judicial decisions. Judges and court staff have been explicitly instructed to avoid quoting or relying on AI-generated content in any final orders.

This decision follows a wider debate within India’s legal community about how much AI should be allowed to assist in courtroom proceedings. While technology is seen as a helpful support tool, the court emphasized that it cannot replace human judgment.

Why This Matters for Tier 2 Cities
In smaller cities like Kozhikode, Thrissur, and Palakkad, where digital literacy is still developing, the guidelines serve as a safeguard. There have been growing concerns that over-dependence on AI could lead to errors or even compromise the fairness of legal decisions, especially in areas with limited resources to cross-verify AI outputs.

By setting clear rules, the High Court is trying to ensure consistency and trust in judicial functioning across all levels of the system.

Balancing Tech with Accountability
The guidelines are not anti-technology. In fact, the High Court acknowledged the potential of AI to streamline court work—be it managing case listings or sorting paperwork. However, it drew a strict line when it comes to decision-making, noting that legal outcomes must stem from human understanding, empathy, and context—things AI still cannot fully grasp.

Conclusion
Kerala’s move could set a precedent for other states as they rethink the role of AI in courtrooms. The message is clear: technology can assist, but it should not decide. As Indian courts embrace digital tools, this step reinforces the importance of human accountability in justice delivery.