In an unfolding legal case that may reshape how universities handle artificial intelligence in academics, a law student is challenging OP Jindal Global University after failing an exam due to alleged AI-generated responses. This case raises questions about AI’s place in education, especially as more students use it as a learning aid. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has asked the university to respond, with the next hearing set for November 14, overseen by Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri.
The lawsuit was filed by Kaustubh Shakkarwar, who is studying for a Master of Laws (LLM) in Intellectual Property and Technology Laws at Jindal Global Law School. Shakkarwar has a strong background in law, having worked as a law researcher for the Chief Justice of India and operating his own AI-driven platform for legal support. His experience in Intellectual Property law adds depth to his case, as reported by Bar and Bench (via Hindustan Times).
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The dispute began after Shakkarwar submitted his answers for an exam in the subject “Law and Justice in the Globalizing World” on May 18. According to the university’s Unfair Means Committee, 88 percent of his responses were flagged as AI-generated. On June 25, the committee ruled that he had failed the exam, a decision later upheld by the Controller of Examinations.
Shakkarwar then turned to the courts, arguing that the university failed to set clear rules against using AI. His petition, filed by advocate Prabhneer Swani, emphasizes that using AI does not automatically amount to plagiarism, as he contends his answers were still original and based on his understanding. Shakkarwar is asking for a court declaration that a person remains the rightful author of any AI-assisted work, as AI is simply a tool rather than a creator. He stresses that the university hasn’t provided substantial proof of any wrongdoing.
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Shakkarwar cites Section 2(d)(vi) of India’s Copyright Act, 1957, which recognizes a human user as the author of any work, even if AI was used in its creation. He claims that AI helped in his creative process, rather than replacing it.
As this case progresses, its outcome could significantly influence how educational institutions view AI in student submissions, potentially creating new standards for AI’s role in academic work.