New Delhi, Apr 2: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized the importance of prioritizing investigations into crimes that pose significant threats to the nation’s security, economic health, and public order. Speaking at the 20th DP Kohli Memorial Lecture, commemorating the first director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Chief Justice expressed concerns over instances of unwarranted confiscation of personal devices during raids and stressed the necessity of striking a balance between investigative imperatives and individual privacy rights.
CJI Chandrachud highlighted the crucial role of due process in maintaining a fair and just society, emphasizing the need for premier investigative agencies like the CBI to concentrate their efforts on crimes of paramount importance. He emphasized the need for a strategic allocation of resources to ensure the effective functioning of law enforcement agencies amidst evolving crime landscapes.
The Chief Justice lauded recent legislative developments aimed at digitizing various aspects of criminal procedures, citing them as significant steps towards modernizing the justice system. He emphasized the importance of leveraging technological tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to bolster the capacities of investigative agencies like the CBI in tackling emerging challenges.
While acknowledging the transformative potential of AI in the criminal justice system, CJI Chandrachud cautioned against potential biases and prejudices inherent in AI algorithms. He stressed the importance of establishing clear guidelines and safeguards to prevent misuse or abuse of advanced technologies and to safeguard individual privacy rights.
Furthermore, the Chief Justice emphasized the need to address the digital divide to ensure equitable access to the benefits of digitization for all segments of society. He underscored the importance of implementing mechanisms to bridge the gap and ensure inclusive access to digital resources.
In conclusion, CJI Chandrachud emphasized the need for responsible and ethical utilization of technological advancements to strengthen crime detection, investigation, and prosecution. He reiterated the importance of establishing robust safeguards to protect individual rights, promote transparency, and mitigate potential risks associated with technological misuse.
