Manipur HC Relies on ChatGPT Research to Reinstate Dismissed VDF Personnel [Read Judgment]

Manipur: The Manipur High Court recently revealed its use of ChatGPT 3.5 to research procedures for the disengagement of Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel. Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma heard a writ petition under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution to quash the disengagement order issued by the Superintendent of Police, Thoubal, which removed the petitioner from VDF membership without a hearing.

Previously, the court had directed the state's counsel to explain the procedures for VDF disengagement, but the Superintendent's counter-affidavit lacked this information. Consequently, the court turned to Google and ChatGPT, noting, "In the circumstances, this Court is compelled to do extra research through Google and ChatGPT 3.5."

Using ChatGPT, the court gathered significant information about the formation and objectives of VDF but found no details on service conditions. Further research led to an Office Memorandum from the Home Department, Government of Manipur, outlining VDF service conditions. It specified that VDF personnel must receive a show-cause notice to explain charges against them, with an appeal option to the DIG against adverse orders by the SP.

The court criticized the state for not filing this memorandum in its counter-affidavit, despite explicit court directions. Additionally, the court referenced Nasim Bano v. The State of Manipur & Ors, where it was held that even in the absence of statutory rules, an employee must be given an opportunity to be heard before termination if the termination is stigmatic.

The court concluded that the petitioner had not been given such an opportunity before the disengagement order, which it deemed stigmatic and equated with removal from service for dereliction of duty. This was found to violate the principles of natural justice.

Ultimately, the court set aside the disengagement order and directed that the period of disengagement be treated as service time. The petitioner was also awarded 50% of back honorarium and allowances, to be paid within three months from the order date.

[Read Judgment]