The Manipur High Court recently revealed its use of ChatGPT for research in a service matter [Md Zakir Hussain v. State of Manipur].
Justice A Guneshwar Sharma utilized the AI tool to assist in revoking the disengagement (removal from service) of a Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel.
Initially, the Court had asked the government counsel under what circumstances such disengagement could be ordered. When no response was provided, the judge turned to Google and ChatGPT for answers.
“In these circumstances, this Court is compelled to do extra research through Google and ChatGPT 3.5 and collected some important information,” the judge recorded in the order.
Using AI, the Court found that the VDF in Manipur was established to enhance local security and assist the police in maintaining law and order, especially in rural areas. Initiated under the Manipur Police, the VDF consists of local community volunteers who are trained and equipped to guard villages against threats, including insurgent activities and ethnic violence.
The Court noted that after successful training and passing the required assessments, candidates are formally appointed as VDF members and assigned duties alongside the police force.
Further research led the Court to an Office Memorandum (OM) issued by the Home Department, Manipur, which laid down service conditions for the VDF. According to this OM, a mandatory show cause notice must be issued to VDF personnel to explain the charges against them.
The Court ultimately ruled that the disengagement order violated the principles of natural justice and ordered the immediate reinstatement of the petitioner.
Advocate Ajmal Hussain represented the petitioner, while Government Advocate Shyam Sharma appeared for the State.
