Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS)

The Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) in India is a transformative project aiming to integrate the key components of the criminal justice system, including police, courts, forensic labs, and prisons, into a unified digital platform. This initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), is designed to streamline processes, improve information sharing, and enhance the speed and accuracy of judicial procedures. The system operates on the principle of ‘one data one entry’, ensuring that data entered once is accessible across various departments, reducing redundancy and errors. While ICJS promises to significantly improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, it also faces challenges related to privacy, potential mass surveillance, and the risk of disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. Despite these concerns, ICJS is seen as a crucial step towards a more efficient and effective criminal justice system in India.