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The Telangana High Court on Tuesday, November 3, took serious exception to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by the Jangaon district Collector to dispose of a land dispute without independently examining the facts or hearing the affected party. The court suspended the Collector’s September 8 order and sought explanations from senior revenue and district officials.
Justice NV Shravan Kumar was hearing a writ petition filed by Medipalli Komuraiah, a resident of Peddamadur village in Devaruppula mandal of Jangaon district. The petitioner alleged that the Collector had passed an ex-parte order on a grievance petition filed by the opposite parties, without considering his submissions or examining the relevant land records.
The petitioner contended that the order had been generated mechanically using AI tools, without proper application of mind. He argued that the Collector had failed to verify the facts, causing him hardship.
Questioning the reliance on automated systems in matters involving property rights, Justice Shravan Kumar observed that administrative authorities could not decide disputes affecting farmers and ordinary citizens merely by relying on AI-generated material. Such matters required independent scrutiny and proper application of mind, the court noted.
The judge issued notices to the Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department, the Jangaon Collector, the Devaruppula tahsildar and other parties, seeking their explanations.
Assistant Government Pleader Haritha informed the court that the issue had been brought to the government's notice and that legal guidance had been sought from the Advocate-General's office.
The court directed Advocate-General Sudarshan Reddy to explain the government's position and the action taken against the officials concerned. The case was adjourned to November 18.
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