New criminal laws usher in a digital revolution in justice system: Police

Srinagar, Aug 8: The introduction of the new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — marks a significant leap towards digitisation, transparency, and efficiency in legal processes, police said.

These reforms, police said are aimed at modernising the justice delivery system by integrating technology across every layer of investigation, prosecution, and trial. They reflect the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights while ensuring swift and credible justice.

Integrating technology across the legal spectrum : The new legal framework promotes the complete digitisation of FIRs, charge sheets, case diaries, and court proceedings, enhancing accessibility and reducing procedural delays. Police stations, investigative agencies, and courts are being equipped with secure digital infrastructure, facilitating seamless communication and documentation.

Digital case management systems, e-courts, and forensic tech integration are becoming the new standard, bridging the gap between investigation and justice delivery. The goal is clear: speed, precision, and transparency.

Elevating electronic evidence: Under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, electronic evidence — including CCTV footage, call records, emails, GPS data, and social media content — is being given greater evidentiary value. This represents a major shift in how courts view and treat digital material.

Earlier bottlenecks in accepting such evidence due to technical limitations or authentication issues have been addressed. Standardised procedures for collection, preservation, and admissibility ensure that electronic records hold strong legal weight.

Streamlining secondary evidence :The new laws introduce a streamlined mechanism for admitting secondary evidence, especially when primary documents are unavailable. Cloud storage certifications, hash value verifications, and blockchain-backed timestamps now play a role in establishing authenticity — a significant move in keeping pace with global legal trends.

This futuristic approach reduces dependency on manual documentation, expediting proceedings and allowing law enforcement to focus on substantive investigation rather than procedural hurdles.

Revolutionising evidence presentation : Evidence presentation has been revamped with provisions allowing for real-time digital projection of documents, virtual testimonies, and electronic cross-examination. Such changes are particularly vital in complex or sensitive cases, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and reduced risk of evidence tampering.

This transparent mechanism not only enhances judicial credibility but also fosters public trust in the system. Security measures for vulnerable victims: Victims of sexual offences, children, and other vulnerable groups now benefit from enhanced digital safeguards. Courts and police are mandated to use secure video conferencing tools, ensure confidentiality through encryption, and allow testimony without physical presence in court — reducing trauma and promoting dignity.

Data privacy, protection of witness identity, and psychological counselling integrated through tech-enabled platforms are a hallmark of the new regime, reinforcing the state’s commitment to a people-centric justice system. “#NewCriminalLawsDigitising justice, elevating efficiency and credibility. Integrating technology across the legal spectrum.

Elevating electronic evidence: A paradigm shift. Streamlining secondary evidence: A futuristic approach. Revolutionising evidence presentation: A transparent approach. Security measures for vulnerable victims: Protecting rights. #BharatiyaNyayaSanhita.BharatiyaNagarikSurakshaSanhita#BharatiyaSakshyaAdhiniyam@KashmirPolice @ZPHQJammu @crimebranchjkp,” J&K Police said in a post on X.