Ritambhara R.
Tuesday, 17 February 2026
The Supreme Court of India has issued a stern warning about the increasing use of AI-generated petitions containing fake case citations, raising serious concerns about the integrity of legal submissions.
On February 17, 2026, during a hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice B.V. Nagarathna, the court highlighted an alarming trend among some lawyers resorting to AI tools for drafting legal documents.
"We are alarmed by the fact that some lawyers have started using AI to draft petitions. This is absolutely uncalled for," stated Chief Justice Surya Kant. Justice Nagarathna pointed out a specific instance of a fictitious citation, 'Mercy v. Mankind', which does not exist, underlining the potential pitfalls of relying on AI in legal contexts.
The Chief Justice recalled a troubling case where multiple fictitious judgments were cited, emphasizing that this practice not only misleads the court but also places an unnecessary burden on judges who must verify such false claims.
Justice Bagchi lamented the decline of traditional legal drafting skills, noting that modern Special Leave Petitions often comprise mere quotations from judgments rather than substantive arguments.
This ruling carries significant implications for legal practitioners. Lawyers now face heightened scrutiny regarding the authenticity of their citations. The court's comments signal a critical need for legal professionals to exercise diligence and ensure the accuracy of their references, particularly as the legal landscape evolves with AI technologies.
As this issue develops, the legal community must adapt to the challenges posed by technological advancements in legal drafting. The Supreme Court's concerns may lead to stricter guidelines on acceptable practices regarding the use of AI in legal submissions.
The court's vigilance in monitoring these practices reflects a broader commitment to maintaining the sanctity of legal proceedings. The implications for future cases will likely be profound, setting precedents that could reshape the relationship between technology and legal ethics.
What You Need to Know
Supreme Court cautions against AI-generated petitions citing fictitious cases like 'Mercy v. Mankind', discovered during a February 17, 2026 hearing.
Legal professionals, judges, and clients are affected by the potential for inaccurate or fabricated legal information in court submissions.
Establishes precedent emphasizing citation accuracy and ethical AI use, potentially leading to stricter guidelines for AI in legal drafting.
Implement rigorous fact-checking for all citations, especially those generated by AI, to avoid misleading the court and uphold ethical standards.
India's Supreme Court warns lawyers against AI-generated fake citations, urging diligence in legal submissions.
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