The Allahabad High Court issued directions to the Uttar Pradesh Police to modernize the process of communicating instructions in criminal cases by mandating the use of electronic means, specifically e-mail, instead of the prevailing manual system. The court directed the Director General of Police to ensure that instructions in bail matters and other criminal proceedings are transmitted to the Government Advocate of the High Court through e-mail. The direction was issued in the context of judicial concern over delays caused by outdated procedural practices, particularly in cases involving personal liberty, where timely communication is essential.
The court took note of the existing practice followed after a bail notice is issued by the High Court. Under the current system, the notice is physically handed over to a police representative, who then visits the office of the Government Advocate. From there, the notice is taken to the office of the Superintendent of Police and subsequently sent to the concerned police station. The investigating officer then prepares comments or retrieves the case diary, after which the documents are routed back to the High Court through the same manual chain. The court observed that this entire process consumes considerable time, involves unnecessary movement of personnel, and results in avoidable delays in criminal proceedings.
The High Court expressed concern that such a cumbersome system leads to wastage of police time and public resources, particularly when technological alternatives are readily available. It emphasized that bail matters directly affect the liberty of individuals and therefore demand swift and efficient handling. The court noted that reliance on physical transmission of notices and instructions is no longer justified and does not align with the need for prompt judicial responses in criminal cases.
While hearing a bail petition, the court engaged with senior police and technical officials to understand the existing communication framework and the status of digital integration within the criminal justice system. During this interaction, the court highlighted the inefficiencies of the manual process and stressed the necessity of adopting electronic communication to ensure faster coordination between the police and the prosecution. The bench underscored that instructions, comments, and relevant documents could be transmitted almost instantaneously through e-mail, thereby eliminating delays caused by physical movement of files and personnel.
In addition to directing the use of e-mail for communication, the High Court strongly emphasized the need for immediate integration of the Interoperable Criminal Justice System. The court noted that the ICJS is designed to enable seamless sharing of information among various stakeholders in the criminal justice ecosystem, including courts, police, prosecution, prisons, and forensic agencies. It observed that the continued dependence on manual processes indicates a failure to fully implement and utilize this integrated digital framework.
The court conveyed that effective ICJS integration would significantly improve the efficiency of criminal proceedings by ensuring real-time access to case information, reducing duplication of effort, and minimizing procedural delays. It stressed that modern criminal justice administration requires coordinated digital systems that allow swift exchange of data and instructions, especially in matters where delay can result in prolonged detention or infringement of fundamental rights.
By directing the DGP to issue appropriate instructions for electronic communication, the High Court sought to institutionalize the use of technology in routine criminal court processes. The court’s observations reflected its view that the adoption of digital communication is not merely a matter of administrative convenience but a necessity for ensuring timely justice. It highlighted that electronic transmission of instructions would enhance accountability, improve response times, and reduce the burden on police personnel.
The court also noted that modernization of procedures would benefit all stakeholders, including investigating officers, government advocates, and litigants. It observed that efficient communication mechanisms would enable prosecutors to present accurate and timely information before the court, thereby assisting in fair and effective adjudication of bail and other criminal matters. The court’s emphasis on electronic communication was linked to its broader concern for protecting personal liberty and ensuring that procedural delays do not result in unjust outcomes.
Through its directions, the Allahabad High Court reaffirmed the importance of embracing digital governance within the criminal justice system. It made it clear that continued reliance on manual and outdated processes is incompatible with contemporary judicial administration. The court’s call for immediate ICJS integration underscored its expectation that law enforcement and prosecution agencies must keep pace with technological advancements to ensure efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness.
The order reflected a proactive judicial approach toward procedural reform, aimed at reducing systemic inefficiencies and aligning criminal justice processes with modern technological standards. By mandating the use of e-mail for sending instructions and urging full integration of digital systems, the High Court sought to strengthen the administration of criminal justice in Uttar Pradesh and ensure that cases, particularly those involving bail and personal liberty, are handled without avoidable delay.
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