The Gujarat High Court has issued a strict policy prohibiting judges and court staff from using artificial intelligence (AI) tools in any part of judicial decision-making, including drafting orders or preparing judgments.

The Policy on Use of Artificial Intelligence in Judicial and Court Administration clearly states that AI must never be used for judicial reasoning, bail or sentencing decisions, or any adjudicatory process. The move is aimed at protecting the integrity of the justice system and ensuring fair hearings under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Framed under Articles 225 and 227, the policy applies to all judicial officers, court staff, interns, legal assistants, and para-legal volunteers working under the High Court and district judiciary.

Importantly, even indirect reliance on AI is barred. The policy prohibits using AI to analyse evidence, assess credibility, summarise testimony, or influence findings of fact or law—even if a judge later reviews the output.

However, the Court has allowed AI in supportive roles, such as:

• Legal research and case law analysis (with strict verification)
• Administrative and IT-related tasks
• Improving language and structure in draft orders (without affecting legal reasoning)

Users must verify all AI-generated content with trusted legal databases like SCC Online, AIR, or official court records.

The policy makes it clear that responsibility cannot be shifted to AI.
Any document signed by a judge or officer becomes their sole responsibility—even if AI was used.

It explicitly states:

AI use cannot be a defence against errors, misconduct, or negligence.

Judges and staff can face disciplinary action, along with civil or criminal liability under laws like the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023.

The policy also bars entering sensitive data into AI tools, including:

• Personal details of parties or witnesses
• Confidential case material
• Financial, health, or caste-related data

It warns that AI systems may carry biases related to gender, caste, religion, or socio-economic status, which could impact fairness in judicial outcomes.

If AI is used for research or drafting assistance:

• Judges must be informed
• The use must be recorded in official documents