Representative Image. Credit: Canva
This policy, which is said to be the first of its kind, marks a significant development in regulating AI tools within judicial functions. The “Policy Regarding Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in District Judiciary” was introduced to ensure a responsible and restricted use of AI in judicial functions across the state, as it acknowledged the increasing availability and access to such tools. The policy advises the district judiciary to “exercise extreme caution” as “indiscriminate use of AI tools might result in negative consequences, including violation of privacy rights, data security risks and erosion of trust in the judicial decision making. The document also mentioned examples of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot and Deepseek to note: “The policy covers all kinds of AI tools, including, but not limited to, generative AI tools, and databases that use AI to provide access to diverse resources, including case laws and statutes.”
The Kerala High Court has issued new guidelines for the district judiciary. These new guidelines explicitly prohibit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make decisions or conduct legal reasoning. The guidelines will apply to judicial officers, staff, interns, and law clerks in Kerala, and any violation may lead to disciplinary action.