Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized that the primary investigative bodies of the nation are overstretched and should prioritize matters concerning national security and offenses against the nation. Speaking at the 20th DP Kohli Memorial Lecture on CBI Raising Day, he also highlighted the evolving landscape of crime due to technological advancements, presenting the agency with intricate challenges.
CJI Chandrachud said, “The CBI is being increasingly asked to delve into diverse array of criminal cases beyond its role as anti-corruption investigative agency. This places a huge responsibility on CBI to live upto its motto.”
Further adding, “I think we have spread out the premier investigative agencies too thin. They must only focus on those that concern national security and crimes of economic offences against the nation.”
He proposed that digitizing the investigative process, starting from the filing of a First Information Report, could be the answer. With a vast number of cases, utilizing technology is essential to minimize delays.
He added, “All arms of the criminal justice administration and all stakeholders including the FSLs must collaborate by holding workshops to help confront challenged we face.”
The additional adjustments should involve enhancing the probe agency through structural reforms. Additionally, leveraging artificial intelligence is crucial for optimal results. Describing it as a transformative tool in criminal justice, he emphasized its potential to extract leads and data with unparalleled precision.