Can AI Be Used To Analyse Videography Of Crime Scene, Interpret Sign Language Of Disabled Person Lodging FIR? MP High Court Asks

With the increasing use of technology in law, the Madhya Pradesh High Court recently asked if Artificial Intelligence enabled applications can be used to interpret the sign language of disabled victims/ complainants, who approach the Police for lodging a FIR.

The bench of Justice Anand Pathak at Gwalior also wondered if videography data of a crime scene, now mandatorily recorded as per provisions of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), can be better analysed with the use of AI apps.

It said,

"Whether any protocol for various steps for recording on the scene of crime can be conceptualized for recording important features at scene of crime with the help of Law Enforcement/ Investigating Agency, some steps or protocol can be formulated or whether Artificial Intelligence Induced App can be created to analysis the videography data so recorded so as to give necessary clues/ indications to the Investigating Officer to investigate the case in a particular direction or in respect of particular person whose evidence is left at the scene of crime.

The development comes ahead of the Court's intention to advance the criminal justice system through the integration of the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) with the SANDES App.

ICJS stores case data. SANDES App is an Indian state-owned instant messaging platform primarily used for inter-departmental communication in the Central Government.

Integration of the two apps will synchronize data from all verticals like Police, Jail, Forensic and Prosecution, so that Data Transfer and its use is facilitated without delay. “Purpose is to bring connectivity and communication of complainant/victim with the Investigating Office/Public Prosecutor and other stake holders," the Court had earlier told.

During the hearing, the NIC team demonstrated six steps for the synchronization of the SANDES App with ICJS. The court discussed several key features of the synchronization process, including the seamless transfer of data across various verticals such as police, jail, forensic, and prosecution. It also suggested the creation of a 'Prisoner ID' system, which would serve as a comprehensive record for each inmate, facilitating information sharing across different stakeholders. This ID could be used even in legal documents such as Vakalatnamas, ensuring continuity and accuracy in the documentation process.

One other significant aspect discussed was the use of uni-directional communication to keep complainants and victims informed about the latest developments in their cases. The court noted, "Uni-Directional Messaging is for ensuring the latest updates to the complainant/victims as well as victim protection from intimidation."

The NIC team has requested eight weeks to complete the synchronization project.

Meanwhile, Court also directed the Deputy Solicitor General to coordinate with various ministries to explore the possibility of implementing this project at a national level. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on October 16.

Recently, Delhi High Court also called for finalization of technical solution to sync ICJS with criminal database of the Police, to avoid any discrepancies.

Citation: MCRC-24900-2023

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