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Synopsis

The Madhya Pradesh High Court at the Gwalior Bench explored the potential use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for enhancing the criminal justice system. The court considered the possibility of using AI-enabled applications to analyse crime scene videography and interpret the sign language of disabled individuals lodging FIRs.

Justice Anand Pathak, presiding over the court, observed : “This Court intends to synchronize "ICJS" (Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System) with "SANDES APP" for effective conduct of crime investigation, criminal trial and victim protection besides other related benefits. All authorities have to work in tandem to bring effective results.” The Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) with the SANDES App, are an instant messaging platform primarily used by the Central Government for inter-departmental communication. The integration aims to streamline data transfer across multiple verticals like police, jail, forensic, and prosecution, minimising delays and improving case management.

Furthermore, the court assessed whether AI-driven applications could be developed to interpret sign language for disabled victims or complainants who approach police stations to lodge First Information Reports (FIRs). Additionally, the court discussed the possibility of using AI tools to analyse the videography of crime scenes, which is now mandatory under the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

"Can a protocol be developed for capturing vital features at a crime scene with the help of law enforcement or investigating agencies? Could an AI-enabled app be devised to analyze recorded videography data, offering clues to investigators that guide their focus on specific evidence or suspects? Similarly, can an AI application be conceptualized to interpret the sign language of Persons With Disabilities (PWD), enabling police officers to accurately understand their complaints or reports?,” the court stated.

The National Informatics Centre (NIC), present during the hearing, affirmed that such technological solutions could indeed be developed, turning the court's vision into reality. The NIC team also demonstrated a six-step process for synchronizing ICJS with the SANDES App. Key features of the integration include the introduction of a 'Prisoner ID' system, designed to serve as a centralized record for each inmate, facilitating accurate and consistent information sharing among legal stakeholders. This ID could also be used in legal documentation such as Vakalatnamas.

Additionally, the court emphasised the need for uni-directional communication that would keep complainants and victims informed about developments in their cases, stating that such communication is vital for victim protection and for keeping them updated on case progress.

The NIC requested eight weeks to finalise the synchronization project. Meanwhile, the court directed the Deputy Solicitor General to liaise with relevant ministries to explore the feasibility of rolling out this initiative at a national scale. The case has been listed for further hearing on October 16, 2024.

In a related development, the Delhi High Court recently called for the swift finalisation of a technical solution to synchronize the ICJS with the police criminal database to eliminate discrepancies.

 

Cause Title: Vijendra Singh Sikarwar vs. The State of Madhya Pradesh and Others [MCRC-24900-2023]