New Delhi, India – Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a pivotal review meeting on December 24, 2024, to assess the implementation of three new criminal laws involving the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). During this meeting, Shah stressed the integration of technology with criminal justice processes and called for the prompt implementation of key digital platforms aimed at streamlining investigations.
Highlighting the significance of technological advancements, Shah emphasized the need for generating alerts at predefined stages throughout the course of criminal cases. This system aims to not only expedite investigations but also provide timely updates to victims and complainants. “Alerts to investigation officers as well as senior officers as per pre-define timelines will help in expediting the process of investigation,” he stated, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The integration of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS) 2.0 with the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) 2.0, including applications such as eSakshya, Nyaya Shruti, eSign, and eSummons, was also discussed during the meeting. Shah directed the NCRB to facilitate the complete implementation of these technologies across all Indian states and Union Territories.
Shah expressed his encouragement for NCRB’s initiative on adopting biometric technology for the identification of unidentified bodies and persons. He underlined the necessity of having these systems operational to bolster public safety and improve investigative efficiency. “The use of biometric technology should be adopted to identify unidentified dead bodies and unidentified found persons,” he asserted, marking this as a priority for law enforcement agencies.
During the discussion, the Union Home Minister called for regular interactions between senior police officials and the NCRB to monitor the progress of the integrated systems. He suggested creating dedicated teams from the MHA and NCRB to visit various states to boost the adoption of these technological solutions and extend support as needed. “A team of officers of the MHA, NCRB should visit the States/UTs to increase the adoption of technical projects and assist them in all possible ways,” added the Home Minister.
The meeting also included senior officials from the MHA, NCRB, and the National Informatics Centre (NIC), emphasizing the collective responsibility of these organizations to create a data-rich platform. Such platforms are intended to equip investigation officers and stakeholders within the criminal justice system with the necessary tools to conduct efficient and timely investigations.
Amit Shah's call for technological integration within the criminal justice system is aimed at ensuring quicker resolutions to criminal cases. He reiterated the importance of having alerts generated from the very registration of cases all the way to their disposal, which he believes significantly benefits the investigative process.
These measures come at a time when rapid digitization is transforming various sectors within India, including law enforcement. The objective is clear: to leverage technology to create safer communities through more responsive and effective crime investigation protocols.
By reviewing the implementation of these laws and proposing the adoption of advanced technologies, Amit Shah is steering India’s law enforcement agencies toward a more modern and efficient operational framework. Such integration not only aids the efficiency of investigations but also contributes positively to public trust and safety within the justice system.
