HPNLU Shimla Explores AI and Culpable Homicide in Foundation Day Moot

Shimla – As part of its 9th Foundation Day celebrations, the Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, held a series of events that underscored its commitment to academic innovation and holistic legal education. A standout event was a demonstration moot court that delved into one of the most pressing and complex challenges facing modern jurisprudence: the intersection of artificial intelligence and criminal liability, specifically in the context of culpable homicide.

The weeklong celebration, held under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, showcased the university's multifaceted approach to legal training. Events ranged from a blood donation camp and literary competitions to a legal startup pitch competition, LEXCELERATE ’25. However, it was the moot court that provided the deepest insight into the future of legal practice, forcing students and faculty to grapple with questions of intent, causation, and accountability in an era of autonomous technology.

Framing the Debate: When an Algorithm Kills

The moot court, organized by the university's Moot Court Committee under Dr. Shaifali Dixit and Dr. Chandrika, presented a hypothetical scenario centered on a death caused by an AI-driven system. The problem was designed to test the boundaries of established criminal law principles, particularly Section 299 of the Indian Penal Code, which defines culpable homicide. The central question revolved around assigning legal responsibility when a non-human entity's actions result in a human death.

The session served as a crucial academic exercise, moving beyond theoretical discussion to a practical application of legal reasoning. Students acting as counsels presented arguments on whether liability could be attributed to the AI’s creators, the programmers, the owners, or perhaps even the AI itself—a concept that challenges the very definition of legal personhood. The exercise was an "...exploration of the legal implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the context of culpable homicide," reflecting a proactive approach by the university to prepare its students for the novel challenges of the 21st century.

Expert Adjudication and Nuanced Perspectives

The proceedings were adjudicated by a distinguished panel whose collective expertise provided a multi-dimensional analysis of the issues at hand. The bench included Dr. Sahil Malhotra, a practicing advocate at the Himachal Pradesh High Court; Prof. (Dr.) Girjesh Shukla, Finance Officer of HPNLU; and Dr. Mritunjay Kumar, the university's Chief Vigilance Officer.

Their involvement transformed the moot from a student activity into a high-level legal symposium. Dr. Malhotra, with his practical litigation experience, likely probed the evidentiary challenges of proving mens rea (guilty mind) in a case involving complex algorithms. Questions of foreseeability, negligence, and the "black box" nature of some AI systems, where even their creators cannot fully explain their decision-making processes, were central to the debate. Prof. Shukla and Dr. Kumar, from their academic and administrative standpoints, could offer insights into regulatory frameworks and the institutional responsibilities that arise from deploying such powerful technologies. The panel’s feedback provided students with invaluable exposure to how contemporary legal challenges are perceived from both the bar and the academic bench.

Legal and Ethical Implications for the Profession

The HPNLU moot court underscores a critical, emerging field of jurisprudence that the legal community is only beginning to address. As AI systems become more integrated into autonomous vehicles, medical diagnostics, and financial trading, the potential for them to cause harm—including death—grows exponentially.

1. The Challenge to Mens Rea: A cornerstone of criminal law is the concept of a guilty mind. How can this be applied to a non-sentient algorithm? The moot likely explored alternative routes to liability, such as strict liability, gross negligence on the part of the developers, or the creation of new legal categories for AI-related offenses. The discussion forces a re-evaluation of whether traditional legal frameworks are sufficient or if new legislation is required.

2. Causation and The "Black Box" Problem: Establishing a direct causal link between a specific line of code or a developer's action and the ultimate harm can be incredibly complex. In sophisticated neural networks, the AI's decision-making process may be opaque. This "black box" problem presents a significant hurdle for prosecution, as proving causation beyond a reasonable doubt becomes a matter of complex technological forensics rather than traditional evidence.

3. Regulatory Vacuum and Future Legislation: The event highlights the urgent need for a robust legal and regulatory framework governing the development and deployment of AI. Legal professionals will be at the forefront of drafting, interpreting, and litigating these new laws. Law schools like HPNLU are taking a vital first step by introducing these topics into their pedagogy, ensuring the next generation of lawyers is equipped for this reality.

A Holistic Vision for Legal Education

While the AI moot court was the centerpiece of the academic discussions, the broader Foundation Day celebrations painted a picture of a university dedicated to nurturing well-rounded professionals. The 4th Annual Blood Donation Camp demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility, while literary events like "Spin a Tale" and the legal-tech competition "LEXCELERATE ’25" fostered creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset. The "AAGAZ 2025" Freshers' Party, which welcomed new students and awarded titles like Mr. Fresher (Bhavye Bansal) and Ms. Fresher (Anant), focused on building a strong sense of community.

In her address, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena congratulated the students and reiterated the university's mission. The diverse range of events confirmed the institution's vision to produce not just competent lawyers, but also "...responsible, innovative, and well-rounded legal professionals" who are prepared for the societal and technological shifts that will define their careers. By tackling the complex issue of AI and culpable homicide head-on, HPNLU Shimla has positioned itself as a forward-thinking institution, preparing its students for a legal landscape where the lines between human and machine responsibility are increasingly blurred.