Kerala High Court Makes AI-Based Transcription Tool Mandatory For Recording Of Witness Statements From November 01

The decision comes after a successful pilot phase that began on February 1, 2025, in select courts in Ernakulam, including the Additional District and Sessions Court (for trials relating to atrocities and sexual violence against women and children), the Additional District and Sessions Judge VII/Addl. MACT, the Principal Munsiff Court, and the Judicial First Class Magistrate IX.

According to the Official Memorandum issued by the Registrar (Computerisation)-cum-Director (IT), the move is aimed at reducing delays, and modernise the system of recording witness deposition.

According to the directions issued, the witness deposition using Adalat AI Voice Text Transcription Tool will begin from November 1. If any technical difficulty arises, the Court may seek approval to use other platforms/ tools approved by the Directorate of IT, High Court, to ensure data security and confidentiality.

Once the deposition has been recorded, endorsed and signed, it shall be uploaded to DCMS when the uploading facility is made available ensuring it is accessible to parties and lawyers through their dashboards.

The memorandum directs all Nodal Officers in each district to ensure strict compliance and smooth implementation ahead of the November rollout and submit a monthly Action Taken Report with comprehensive details regarding the mode of recording witness deposition in all Courts and Tribunals in their District.