HC uses AI in ruling on VDF service matter
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 24 2024:
In a ground-breaking move, the High Court of Manipur utilised artificial intelligence (AI), ChatGPT in passing a judgement on a service law issue.
The case involved Md Zakir Hussain, a former member of the Village Defence Force (VDF), who was disengaged without hearing on allegation of dereliction of duty during an incident where an accused escaped from police custody.
Md Zakir from Sangaiyum-pham Nungphou Mamang in Thoubal district, had served in the VDF for six years before being disengaged on January 2, 2021 .
Thoubal SP issued the disengagement order citing dereliction of duty without conducting any inquiry or providing the petitioner opportunity to defend himself.
The petitioner's duty on that fateful day included guarding a gate and overseeing the police lock-up, during which an accused managed to escape from custody due to circumstances beyond the petitioner's control.
Despite the subsequent re-arrest of the escaped individual, he was relieved of his duties without any formal notice or explanation.
Seeking justice, Md Zakir Hussain hied a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India which the respondent authorities countered, justifying the disengagement citing dereliction of duty.
During the proceedings, the High Court directed the government advocate to explain the procedures for disengagement of the VDF.
However, the response provided by the respondent authorities did not address this aspect.
Consequently, the Court conducted additional research using Google and ChatGTP 3.5 to gather relevant information on VDF service conditions.
The Court discovered an Office Memorandum issued by the home department on October 18, 2022, outlining the service conditions of VDF personnel, mandating show cause notice and providing an appellate mechanism before the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) for any adverse order against a VDF member.
The Court noted that the enquiry was conducted only on January 8, 2021, where some of the regular police personnel were awarded with minor penalty whereas the petitioner was removed from service without any show cause and enquiry.
Relying on this information and precedent, the Court concluded that Zakir Hussain's disengagement violated principles of natural justice.
The absence of a show cause notice arid failure to conduct a proper inquiry rendered the disengagement order invalid.
Moreover, the Court emphasised the importance of providing an opportunity to be heard, even in the absence of statutory rules.
Consequently, the High Court set aside the disengagement order and reinstated Zakir Hussain to the VDF with immediate effect.
The Court also directed the state authorities to conduct an inquiry, if necessary, in accordance with the Office Memorandum dated October 18, 2022 .