Centre Expands Tech-Driven Criminal Justice System
Government deploys AI-enabled platforms and digital tools to improve speed, transparency and efficiency in justice delivery
- Centre introduces multiple digital platforms to modernise policing, investigation and court processes.
- CCTNS and ICJS enable seamless sharing of FIRs, charge sheets and court records.
- New applications strengthen digital evidence, virtual hearings and forensic management.
- Government says technology is improving transparency and reducing delays in criminal justice.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th July: The Centre on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that it has introduced a series of technology-driven initiatives to improve the speed, efficiency and transparency of the country’s criminal justice system through digitisation of policing, investigations, prosecution, forensic services and judicial processes.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, in a written reply, said the initiatives are aimed at ensuring faster investigations, seamless coordination among justice institutions and improved delivery of services through digital platforms.
The government said the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) has computerised police processes from FIR registration to charge-sheet filing, while incorporating timeline-based alerts under the new Nyaya Sanhitas to ensure timely procedural compliance by investigating officers.
To facilitate seamless exchange of information, the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) platform has been developed, enabling police, courts, prisons, prosecution and forensic laboratories to electronically share FIRs, charge sheets, court orders, forensic reports and prison records, thereby reducing delays and enhancing transparency.
The Ministry said the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) monitors investigations relating to crimes against women and children, particularly sexual offences, to ensure timely filing of charge sheets.
To strengthen digital evidence management, the government has launched the e-Sakshya mobile application, which provides a secure digital ecosystem for capturing, managing and presenting primary evidence while preserving its integrity throughout the judicial process.
Other initiatives include the e-Summons platform for electronic service of court notices, the Medico Legal Examination and Postmortem Reporting (MedLEaPR) application for online medico-legal reporting, and the Nyay Shruti platform, which enables accused persons, witnesses, police officers, prosecutors and forensic experts to participate in court proceedings through video conferencing.
The government has also introduced the e-Forensic platform for end-to-end digital case management across forensic laboratories, the e-Prison cloud-based application for prison administration and data sharing, and the e-Prosecution platform to facilitate structured digital coordination between police and prosecutors before cases reach the courts.
In addition, the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) has been established as a nationwide biometric fingerprint repository, enabling real-time matching of fingerprints collected from crime scenes with criminal records to strengthen investigations and improve law enforcement capabilities.
The Ministry said these technology-based interventions are helping build a more integrated, transparent and efficient criminal justice system by enabling faster investigations, improved coordination among agencies and greater accountability in justice delivery.
