The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the widespread practice of referencing inaccurate or non-existent judgments, labeling it a significant issue affecting courts globally. Justices Rajesh Bindal and Vijay Bishnoi stressed the importance of vigilance in legal proceedings during a hearing involving Heart and Soul Entertainment Ltd.’s special leave petition against remarks by the Bombay High Court. The apex court emphasized that this problem is prevalent not only in India but also internationally, urging caution across all jurisdictions.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, the bench acknowledged that the matter is already being addressed within the judicial system, indicating a broader institutional worry. The Director of the petitioner company, speaking via video conference, clarified that he intended to focus solely on the Bombay High Court’s comments, denying any reference to the disputed judgment. The court, while refraining from delving into this specific issue at present, granted relief to the petitioner by expunging the contentious remarks.
In a broader context, the Supreme Court underscored the pervasive nature of this issue in courts worldwide, emphasizing the need for caution. The judiciary is actively seized of this matter, recognizing its critical implications for the justice system. Recent incidents, including a case where a trial court allegedly relied on AI-generated false judgments, have heightened concerns about the integrity of the adjudicatory process. Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe flagged the serious institutional implications of such actions, warning that the use of fabricated judgments could amount to misconduct with legal repercussions.
