Madhya Pradesh High Court: In a matter concerning with the integration of the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) with the SANDES App to enhance the efficiency of crime investigation, criminal trials, and victim protection, a single-judge bench of Anand Pathak, J., instructed the Deputy Solicitor General coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Information and Technology and Ministry of Social Justice and discuss about implementing this project nationwide
The NIC Team appeared before the Court and demonstrated six key steps for the synchronization of ICJS with SANDES App. The process involves synchronizing data across verticals like Police, Jail, Forensics, and Prosecution, with a focus on cases with a sentence of seven years or more. Only verified stakeholders can communicate within a close group through the SANDES App, ensuring security and privacy. The key featured discussed are —
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Data from various verticals will be synchronized for seamless data transfer and utilization.
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Secure communication within the close group of verified stakeholders is enabled, ensuring confidentiality.
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Uni-directional communication allows victims to receive updates without direct interaction, ensuring safety.
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An OTP-based web link can be created to allow victims to share concerns directly with law enforcement.
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A unique ID for each prisoner will be created to store and share data, including updates in legal proceedings.
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Copies of judgments will be sent to Investigating Officers and their superior officers for review and performance assessment.
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Performance profiling of Investigating Officers, Public Prosecutors, and Forensic Experts will be done to assess their effectiveness.
The Court emphasised on the need for all authorities to work collaboratively to achieve effective results. The Court raised concerns about—
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Developing a protocol for crime scene videography, mandatory for offenses punishable by more than seven years.
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The potential use of AI to analyse crime scene videos for investigative clues.
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Creating an AI-enabled app to interpret sign language for Persons with Disabilities (PWD), facilitating communication with law enforcement.
The Court noted that the NIC Team expressed enthusiasm for these concepts and assured the Court of their commitment to coordinating with relevant ministries (Home Affairs, Information Technology, and Social Justice) to make these concepts a reality. The NIC Team requested eight weeks to complete the synchronization project.
The Court acknowledged the efforts of the NIC Team for their work towards the betterment of the justice system and society. The Court directed the Deputy Solicitor General to coordinate with the relevant ministries for possible nationwide implementation of this project. The Court directed the NIC team to also work on facilitating the project at the national level. The Court scheduled the matter for 16-10-2024, with directions to NIC Team to submit the concept note with further developments.
[Vijendra Singh Sikarwar v. State of M.P., 2024 SCC OnLine MP 5188, Decided on 08-08-2024]
Advocates who appeared in this case :
Shri Harshit Sharma, Counsel for the Petitioner
Shri Deependra Singh Kushwaha, Additional Advocate General, Counsel for the Respondent/State
Shri Praveen Kumar Newskar, Deputy Solicitor General, Shri Ravindra Singh Kushwaha and Shri Rajeev Upadhyay, Counsel for the Union of India
