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Delhi HC stays trial court’s order against Akasa Air over alleged AI use in judgement
The Delhi High Court stayed a trial court order directing Akasa Air to pay ₹1.08 crore to a travel agent after concerns were raised that AI may have drafted the ruling. The bench said prima facie signs of AI involvement require closer examination, with a ₹20 lakh deposit due by May 30 to keep the stay in place, and a new hearing slated for August 20.
Why It Matters
The case underscores growing scrutiny of AI's role in judicial drafting and the potential for AI-generated or non-existent precedents to influence court decisions.
Timeline
4 Events
Upcoming hearing scheduled for August 20, 2026
May 4, 2026
The matter is reported to be next heard on August 20, 2026; the article noting this was published on May 4, 2026.
Delhi High Court stays the trial court verdict
April 30, 2026
The Delhi High Court granted a stay on the operation of the trial court’s ₹1.08 crore judgment and directed that the stay remain in place, subject to Akasa Air depositing ₹20 lakh with the Registrar General by May 30; the bench noted prima facie signs of AI involvement in the drafting and said further examination is needed.
Trial court orders Akasa Air to pay ₹1.08 crore
February 24, 2026
A Delhi district court directed Akasa Air to pay ₹1.08 crore to a Delhi-based travel agent in a suit arising from the cancellation of 640 bookings during the festive season.
Supreme Court cognizance of AI-related concerns
February 2026
In February 2026, the Supreme Court took cognizance of the trial court’s reliance on allegedly non-existent AI-generated judgments, noting that use of fake precedents could amount to misconduct.