Amit Shah sets 3-year justice delivery target, pushes use of AI in probes

Published 2026-06-21 · Updated 2026-06-21 · 3 min · 494 words

UPSC CSE Context

Why in News: Home Minister sets 3-year justice delivery target and launches tech applications for criminal justice reform. Syllabus Connection: Polity: Criminal justice system reforms; Governance: Use of technology in administration. Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on judicial reforms, technology in governance, and police modernization. ## Core Issue Government aims to complete criminal justice process within three years using AI and scientific evidence. Key Development: Launch of NCRB-Abhigyan, CrPI, e-Prosecution 2.0, e-Forensics 2.0 applications for speedy justice. Stakeholders:

• Union Home Ministry
• National Crime Records Bureau
• State Police
• Judiciary
• Criminals ## Static Knowledge High-Value Background:
• Criminal justice process includes FIR registration, investigation, trial, conviction, and appeals.
• National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) is a national fingerprint database managed by NCRB. Exam Linkage:
• Useful for questions on criminal law reforms, police reforms, and e-governance in justice delivery. Concepts in Context:
• Predictive policing uses AI and data analytics to anticipate crimes and identify repeat offenders.
• CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems) is a nationwide police database. ## Dynamic Analysis ### Governance
• Three-year target from FIR to conviction aims to reduce pendency and improve justice delivery.
• Use of AI and scientific evidence shifts from traditional force-based policing to evidence-based investigation.
• Predictive policing raises concerns about privacy, data security, and potential bias in algorithms. ### Science and Technology
• AI and machine learning enable pattern analysis to identify repeat offenders and interstate networks.
• NAFIS database strengthening with crime scene fingerprints enhances forensic evidence reliability.
• e-Prosecution and e-Forensics platforms digitize case management and forensic workflows.
• Cybersecurity safeguards and audits are critical to protect sensitive criminal databases from misuse. ### Legal and Constitutional
• Speedy justice is a fundamental right under Article 21, but three-year timeline may be challenging given current pendency.
• Predictive policing must comply with legal standards of presumption of innocence and due process.
• Integration of scientific evidence requires amendments to evidence laws and training of investigators. ## Prelims Takeaways
• CCTNS has been implemented in all 17,840 police stations across India. ## Mains Value Addition Arguments:
• Technology can expedite justice but must be balanced with privacy and civil liberties.
• Predictive policing can reduce crime but risks profiling and discrimination if not regulated.
• Evening courts can reduce pendency but require adequate infrastructure and judicial manpower.
• Scientific evidence reduces reliance on witness testimony, improving conviction rates. Examples:
• NCRB databases contain 1.29 crore fingerprint records, 10 lakh narcotics offenders, and 3.65 lakh human trafficking records. Data Points:
• CCTNS contains 37.68 crore digital records across all police stations. Counterpoints:
• Three-year timeline may be unrealistic given current case pendency in courts.
• AI in policing may lead to algorithmic bias and violation of privacy rights.
• Evening courts may face resistance from lawyers and judges due to workload concerns. ## Way Forward
• Establish independent oversight for AI and predictive policing to ensure accountability.
• Strengthen cybersecurity frameworks for criminal databases to prevent data breaches.
• Pilot evening courts in select districts before nationwide rollout to assess feasibility.
• Amend procedural laws to integrate forensic evidence and streamline appeals process.

Primary/reference source: National Affairs