POOJA RAMESH SINGH V. JAMMU AND KASHMIR BANK LTD: THE SUPREME COURT'S ZERO TOLERANCE RULE FOR FABRICATED PRECEDENT

The increasing use of generative artificial intelligence in legal research has raised concerns about fabricated case law and the reliability of judicial decision making. In Pooja Ramesh Singh v. Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd., the Supreme Court of India examined the consequences of tribunals relying on non-existent and AI-hallucinated judicial precedents. The Court adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards unverified AI-generated authorities, set aside the orders of the NCLT and NCLAT, and directed the Bar Council of India to formulate guiding principles and disciplinary consequences. This case comment critically examines the judgment's implications for professional responsibility, judicial accountability and the legitimate use of artificial intelligence in adjudication. It evaluates the Court's strict approach, particularly its refusal to distinguish between material and incidental reliance on fabricated precedent, and identifies uncertainties concerning verification standards, judicial responsibility and the legal effect of tainted decisions. It argues that the judgment provides an important safeguard for the integrity of adjudication, but effective implementation requires clear, proportionate and enforceable standards for both the Bar and the Bench.