Supreme Court Releases Draft AI Rules For Courts; Lawyers Must Disclose Use Of AI In Pleadings

India’s Supreme Court has unveiled draft AI Regulations 2026, establishing guidelines for AI use in courts while ensuring judicial decisions remain human-led. The framework, prepared by the Supreme Court’s AI Committee, mandates lawyers and litigants to disclose when AI tools assist in preparing pleadings, documents, or evidence, with courts empowered to seek details on the AI system and verification measures used. Under the draft, parties cannot evade responsibility for false or misleading AI-generated content, as accountability rests solely with the submitting individual. The regulations explicitly prohibit AI from deciding cases, assessing witness credibility, or influencing judicial outcomes, reinforcing the principle of 'human primacy' in the justice system. AI is permitted for administrative functions such as legal research, document summarization, translation of judgments, automated transcription, and case management. Draft Regulation 16 encourages courts to adopt AI tools that improve access to justice and reduce delays, provided they do not replace human decision-making or predict dispute outcomes. The framework also acknowledges AI 'hallucinations'—instances of fabricated or inaccurate outputs—and requires human verification before reliance. Strict prohibitions include using AI to determine bail eligibility, pass sentences, or interfere with judicial deliberations. The regulations create a 'presumption in favor of responsible AI adoption,' signaling the judiciary’s intent to embrace technology while maintaining safeguards. Public comments on the draft are open until June 20, 2026.