Punjab & Haryana HC Warns Lawyers: Don’t Use AI or Google During Hearings

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has strongly criticised lawyers who use their mobile phones during hearings to look up answers on Google or artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The Court said that this growing trend reflects a lack of preparation and causes unnecessary delays in proceedings.

Justice Sanjay Vashisth, while hearing a matter, noted that an advocate repeatedly used his phone during arguments to search for information instead of keeping the required material ready beforehand. Taking serious note of the issue, the judge directed the Bar Association to remind its members that such behaviour could lead to strict action in the future.

“Let today’s order be supplied to the President and Secretary of the Bar Association so that they may inform the members not to compel the Court to pass any harsh order on account of repeated use of mobile phones during the course of hearing to update themselves through artificial intelligence, online platforms or Google,” the Court stated.

Justice Vashisth observed that this was not an isolated incident but a recurring problem. He remarked that several lawyers have become dependent on online searches and AI tools rather than doing proper research and preparation before coming to court.

The Court further noted that such conduct often disrupts the flow of proceedings. Judges are sometimes made to wait while advocates look for answers on their devices—answers they should already know.

“The Court is concerned and bothered time and again by members of the Bar using mobile phones during the course of hearing, right in front of the Court. At times, proceedings are stalled awaiting an answer retrieved from such devices,” the judge observed.

Justice Vashisth also referred to a previous incident on September 19, where a lawyer’s mobile phone was confiscated for similar behaviour. The Court had then ordered the circulation of its direction among the Bar members to prevent such occurrences.

In the latest case, Justice Vashisth ordered that a copy of the order once again be sent to the President and Secretary of the Bar Association so that members are reminded not to test the Court’s patience with such practices.