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The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently criticised lawyers for repeatedly using mobile phones to search for answers on Google and artificial intelligence tools during hearings, describing it as disruptive and indicative of poor preparation. Justice Sanjay Vashisth expressed serious concern over counsel resorting to online searches instead of having necessary materials ready beforehand.

The Court directed the Bar Association to remind its members that such conduct could lead to stricter disciplinary measures in the future. It highlighted that proceedings are often stalled while lawyers look up information on their phones, which delays justice and hampers court processes.

This is not the first time the Court has addressed this issue; it had earlier seized a lawyer’s phone for similar conduct and circulated orders urging lawyers to avoid such practices. The Court emphasized the importance of proper preparation and requested that a copy of the present order be circulated among the Bar members to prevent future disruptions.