All trial courts in Kerala to use AI tool for witness depositions

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has directed all trial courts in the state to mandatorily record witness depositions using the Adalat.AI speech-to-text transcription tool from November 1, 2025.

The move follows a successful pilot phase launched on February 1 in select Ernakulam courts, including the Additional District and Sessions Court handling cases of 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 an Official Memorandum issued by the Registrar (Computerisation)-cum-Director (IT), the initiative aims to modernise court proceedings and reduce delays.

As per the directions, courts must use Adalat.AI to record witness depositions. In case of technical issues, they may seek approval to use other IT Directorate-approved tools to ensure data security and confidentiality.

Once recorded, endorsed, and signed, depositions will be uploaded to the DCMS system (once enabled), making them accessible to parties and lawyers through their dashboards.

The memorandum also directs all district Nodal Officers to ensure smooth implementation ahead of the rollout and to submit monthly action-taken reports detailing how depositions are recorded in all courts and tribunals.