In a recent landmark decision, the Manipur High Court disclosed its use of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool, for conducting research in a service-related matter.

Justice A Guneshwar Sharma employed ChatGPT to assist in overturning the disengagement of a Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel. Initially seeking clarification from the government counsel on the conditions under which such disengagement could be ordered, and receiving no response, the judge turned to Google and ChatGPT for answers.

The Court's order highlighted the necessity of this additional research, revealing that the VDF was established to bolster local security and support the police in rural areas. Composed of trained volunteers, the VDF plays a crucial role in guarding villages against threats like insurgency and ethnic violence.

Further investigation led the Court to an Office Memorandum (OM) from the Home Department of Manipur, which stipulated that a show cause notice must be issued to any VDF personnel facing charges.

Concluding that the disengagement order violated the principles of natural justice, the Court reinstated the petitioner with immediate effect. Advocate Ajmal Hussain represented the petitioner, while Government Advocate Shyam Sharma appeared for the State.

Case Title : Md Zakir Hussain v. State of Manipur