The Supreme Court recently expressed serious concern after discovering that a trial court had cited AI-generated fake judgments while deciding a case. The bench observed that relying on non-existent or fabricated precedents amounts to judicial misconduct and raises significant institutional concerns for the justice system. The Court emphasised that judgments must be based on verified legal authorities and authentic precedents, as inaccurate citations can mislead courts and undermine public confidence in the judiciary. The issue came to light when the Supreme Court noticed that certain cases relied upon by the trial court could not be traced in any official law reports or legal databases. Upon examination, it appeared that the citations were likely generated using artificial intelligence tools, which sometimes produce incorrect or completely fictitious case references. The Court cautioned that while technology and AI may assist legal research, they cannot replace careful verification by judges and lawyers. The bench stressed that judicial officers have a duty to ensure the authenticity of every authority cited in their orders. Failure to verify sources before relying on them can compromise the integrity of judicial decisions. The Court also warned that uncritical use of AI tools in legal proceedings could create serious risks if outputs are accepted without independent scrutiny. Highlighting the broader institutional implications, the Supreme Court stated that courts must remain vigilant about technological misuse in the justice delivery system. It urged greater awareness and caution among judicial officers and legal practitioners when using AI-based research tools, reaffirming that accuracy, accountability, and verification remain fundamental to the rule of law.