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Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. (PTI file photo)
The CJI stressed the importance of collaboration among all arms of the criminal justice administration and stakeholders, including the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs)
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Monday said that India’s premier investigative agencies are stretched too thin and adviced them focus solely on cases involving national security and economic offenses against the nation.
Addressing the 20th D. P. Kohli Memorial Lecture on CBI Raising Day in Delhi, CJI Chandrachud said, “I think we have spread out the premier investigative agencies too thin. They must only focus on those that concern national security and crimes of economic offences against the nation.”
Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasised how the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is increasingly being tasked with investigating a wide range of criminal cases beyond its primary role as an anti-corruption agency.
“This places a huge responsibility on CBI to live upto its motto,” the CJI noted.
According to an NDTV report, the Chief Justice of India suggested that the solution lies in digitising the investigation process, starting from the filing of a First Information Report (FIR). Given the large number of cases, utilising technology is crucial to reduce delays.
“From the initial registration of a First Information Report (FIR) to the final delivery of judgment, every stage of a criminal investigation is slated to be recorded digitally under the purview of the proposed legislation,” he emphasised.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration among all arms of the criminal justice administration and stakeholders, including the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs), through workshops to address the challenges faced.
Furthermore, he said that structural reforms should be implemented to upgrade the probe agency.
Additionally, the CJI noted that artificial intelligence should be harnessed for the best outcome. Describing it as a “game changer” capable of revolutionising criminal justice, he highlighted its potential to mine leads and data “with unprecedented accuracy”.
