Justice Bindal Flags AI Risks, Calls for Mentorship in Legal Field

• Supreme Court Justice Rajesh Bindal warned against the increasing use of AI-generated “fake judgments” by young lawyers in courts.
• He emphasized the crucial role of senior advocates in mentoring junior lawyers about the risks and ethical use of AI in legal research.
• The warning comes amidst growing concerns and follows a recent directive from the Kerala High Court advising against using AI tools for drafting judicial orders due to accuracy risks.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th July: Supreme Court Justice Rajesh Bindal has voiced significant concerns regarding the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in legal research, highlighting a troubling trend where AI-generated “fake judgments” are being presented in Indian and US courts by young lawyers. Justice Bindal underscored the critical need for senior advocates to mentor the next generation of legal professionals in navigating these evolving risks.

Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organized by the All India Senior Lawyers Association for four newly appointed Supreme Court judges—Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Justice Nilay V. Anjaria, Justice Vijay Bishnoi, and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar—Justice Bindal stressed the collective responsibility of the legal fraternity.

“In India and in the USA, the use of AI search models by young lawyers has led to fake judgments being placed before courts,” Justice Bindal cautioned. He explained that sometimes, lawyers use limited keywords with AI tools, leading to results that might be incorrect, represent dissenting opinions, or are entirely fabricated by the AI itself, yet are cited in court without proper verification.

Describing this development as a “danger mark,” Justice Bindal emphasized that an unchecked reliance on AI could compromise the integrity and reliability of the judicial process. He urged, “Senior lawyers must step up to guide and educate the Young Bar about these emerging risks.” He also acknowledged the foundational work of junior lawyers and the crucial arguments presented by senior counsel in the administration of justice.

Justice P.B. Varale, also present at the event, commended the newly appointed judges for their contributions during their tenures in various High Courts.

The newly elevated judges also shared their insights:

• Justice Joymalya Bagchi likened senior advocates to a “banyan tree,” symbolizing their nurturing role for the court and the rule of law. He affirmed the Supreme Court’s wide-ranging jurisdiction.
• Justice Nilay V. Anjaria reflected on the “very high degree of responsibility” that comes with being an apex court judge, expressing a commitment to duty towards the institution and society.
• Justice Vijay Bishnoi underscored the importance of upholding the dignity of the court, emphasizing that while individuals are transient, “only the institution endures.”
• Justice Atul S. Chandurkar referred to senior lawyers as “friends, philosophers, and guides,” stressing the collective duty to ensure justice remains both a “constitutional promise and a lived reality.”

Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala, President of the International Council of Jurists (London) and former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, praised the Indian judiciary as among the finest globally, commending its efficiency, fairness, and high case disposal rates.

Rajya Sabha MP and Senior Advocate P. Wilson mentioned introducing a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament to propose raising the retirement age of judges, contributing to ongoing judicial reform discussions. Advocate General of Odisha, Pitambar Acharya, congratulated the new judges, expressing confidence in their ability to uphold the Apex Court’s traditions.

Justice Bindal’s comments come at a pertinent time, particularly after the Kerala High Court’s recent advisory on July 20. The High Court directed judicial staff against using AI tools like ChatGPT for drafting orders due to accuracy concerns and recommended formal training before integrating AI into judicial processes—a significant step in India’s legal framework.

As AI technology continues to evolve, Justice Bindal’s warning serves as a timely call for vigilance, ethical considerations, human oversight, and robust mentorship to safeguard the sanctity of India’s justice delivery system.