A striking recent episode saw a tribunal judgment set aside after it emerged that AI-generated, non-existent case citations had crept in – prompting the Supreme Court to ask the Bar Council of India to examine the issue. For lawyers using AI tools, the lesson is unavoidable: verify everything.
What “hallucinated” citations are
Generative AI can produce confident, plausible-looking case references that simply do not exist. Relied on without checking, they can enter pleadings, judgments and content – with serious professional consequences.
Using AI responsibly in a law practice
- Treat AI output as a draft, never as authority.
- Verify every citation against a primary source.
- Disclose materially AI-generated content where required – the BCI’s 2026 circular now addresses this.
Used carefully, AI is a powerful assistant. Used blindly, it is a liability. The same discipline applies to AI in your marketing content.
General information, not legal advice.
This article is part of GEO & AEO: AI Search for Law Firms – our in-depth pillar guide for Indian lawyers.
Read the full guide →Frequently asked questions
What are AI-hallucinated citations?
Fabricated, non-existent case references that generative AI can produce confidently. Relied on without verification, they can enter legal documents and content with serious consequences.
How can lawyers use AI safely?
Treat AI output as a draft, verify every citation against a primary source, and disclose materially AI-generated content where required.