Shri Amit Shah Launches E-Sakshya, Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti, and E-Summon Apps: A Major Reform in India's Criminal Justice System
On August 4, 2024, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, unveiled a suite of revolutionary apps designed to transform the criminal justice system in India.
The launch event, held in Chandigarh, marked the introduction of the e-Sakshya, Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti, and e-Summon apps. The occasion was graced by notable figures, including Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, and the Union Home Secretary.
A Milestone Reform of the 21st Century
In his address, Shri Amit Shah emphasized the significance of this launch as one of the largest reforms of the 21st century. He highlighted the three new criminal laws introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi – Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
These laws, according to Shah, embody the essence of Indianness and our justice ethos. He affirmed that the Constitution’s mandate is to deliver justice to all, and these new laws aim to realize this constitutional promise through an advanced criminal justice system.
E-Sakshya App: Enhancing Evidence Collection
The e-Sakshya app represents a significant leap in evidence collection and management. This innovative tool allows investigating officers to capture and record video and photographic evidence from crime scenes. It also facilitates the gathering of witness statements and securely transmits all collected information to an evidence locker.
This evidence is linked to the charge sheet and made electronically available to the court, ensuring that it can be accessed by prosecutors and defense lawyers as needed. The ability to download recordings and photographs further supports the judicial process, enhancing both efficiency and transparency.
Nyaya Shruti: Streamlining Court Hearings
Nyaya Shruti is designed to modernize and streamline court proceedings through electronic means. This automated system integrates with various judicial and law enforcement bodies, including police, prisons, prosecution, and forensics.
When a court issues a summons or warrant, Nyaya Shruti sends an alert to the relevant application and provides a video conferencing link for judicial hearings.
This connectivity ensures that all involved parties, including officers and legal representatives, are kept informed and engaged in real-time, improving the efficiency of judicial processes.
E-Summons: Simplifying Legal Orders
The e-Summons app focuses on the electronic handling of legal orders. This system allows for the digital transmission of court orders, such as summons and warrants, to the police. These orders are then dispatched to the relevant officers via their mobile devices, who are responsible for delivering them to the designated addresses and obtaining the recipient’s signature upon receipt. This process simplifies compliance with legal orders, reduces paperwork, and enhances the speed and accuracy of order execution.
Embracing Modern Technology
Shri Amit Shah praised these new laws and technologies for their modern, indigenous approach, marking a major reform in India’s legal landscape.
He highlighted that these laws are designed with a focus on justice rather than punishment and aim to establish India as a leader in technological advancements within the global justice system. This reform represents a significant step towards a more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven judicial process, positioning India at the forefront of modern legal practices.
The launch of these apps is a testament to the Indian government's commitment to leveraging technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its criminal justice system, ensuring that justice is delivered more effectively and transparently.
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