Chennai: Online classes cannot replace physical mode of learning, and AI tools can never be equated with qualified teachers, the Madras high court has said. AI tools can come close to human intelligence but cannot teach integrity and morality, a division bench of Justice S M Subramaniam and Justice N Senthilkumar said.The bench made the observation on Wednesday while allowing an appeal moved by Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University challenging a single judge order that allowed students who did not have the mandatory 70% attendance to appear for semester exams.The single judge had directed Bar Council of India (BCI) to revisit rules that mandated 70% attendance and give opportunity to the students to put in balance mandatory attendance in the flexible forms and modes of classes.Dismissing the single judge’s view, the division bench said, “Online classes provide an avenue for learning when need arises, but it cannot be a substitute for physical mode of learning. There are certain advantages that stem from regularly attending classes. It goes beyond mere acquisition of knowledge. It instills values of self-discipline, punctuality, active classroom engagements, and positive social behaviours. So online classes cannot be substituted with physical classrooms.”Also, neither ChatGPT nor any other Al tool can ever be equated with a qualified lecturer. Artificial intelligence cannot teach integrity and morality that are also ethical pillars of legal professions. Such lessons can only be learned in a vibrant classroom, the judges added.“Legal education is not just for making money but traverse beyond that. It requires a commitment to society and to the Constitution, thereby requiring the presence of collective and diverse voices of the students in a classroom,” the court said.It is from classroom debates and dynamic social discussions that legal ideas and novelty emanate, the bench said. Classrooms provide a platform for the students to debate and engage in productive discussions, thereby creating a future for a generation of energetic and vibrant legal professionals.
