Citing AI-generated, non-existent judgments a growing menace in courts worldwide: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of India has highlighted the increasing problem of lawyers and litigants citing AI-generated, fake judgments in courts. This practice, known as a “rampant menace,” affects not just India but courts worldwide, prompting calls for greater caution.
In Heart & Soul Entertainment Ltd v Deepak s/o Shivkumar Bahry, Justices Rajesh Bindal and Vijay Bishnoi expunged adverse remarks by the Bombay High Court, which suspected AI use in submissions referencing a non-existent judgment. The bench noted the petitioner denied citing it but emphasized the broader issue without delving into specifics.
The court stated: “This menace is rampant in all Courts now, not only in India but throughout the world. Everyone needs to be careful about this.” It added that the matter is already under consideration judicially, signaling institutional action.
Earlier, in February 2026, Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe warned that trial court orders based on AI-fabricated judgments amount to misconduct, not mere error, and issued notices to legal authorities. This follows a Supreme Court white paper from November 2025 mandating verification of AI-sourced information.
