Archive · 30 Jun 2025
Technology vs. Reality: Criminal Justice Reform in the Digital Age
Imagine the justice system trying to get better with new tech like computers and AI.
But, just like a new toy, these tools don't always work well.
Some police stations don't even have cameras!
Even when they do, they may not be used correctly.
The article says it is better to improve what we have instead of focusing on fancy new things that may not be useful.
A good library helps more than a broken computer.
Technology is being framed as the cornerstone of criminal justice reform, including AI-based legal assistance and digitized portals.
E-filing systems and record digitization aim to improve transparency and access to justice but implementation is uneven.
The India Justice Report 2025 highlights gaps, such as low CCTV coverage in police stations and lack of universal benchmarks for citizen portals.
While video conferencing facilities have increased in prisons, usage varies, and e-Mulaqat accounted for only 7% of family visits.
The article emphasizes the need for 'slow technology' that is offline, protects user confidentiality, and functions without excessive data collection.
- Who
- Ankita Sarkar, author of the article
- What
- The use of technology in criminal justice reform.
- When
- Recent years
- Where
- India
- Why
- To highlight the challenges and limitations of implementing technology in the criminal justice system and advocate for a more practical approach.
Supporters
Critics
Technological Advancement
Supporters
Believe that tech can revolutionize justice.
Critics
Highlight practical shortcomings.
- CCTV Compliance
- Only 8 states and Union Territories achieved full CCTV coverage.
- Video Conferencing in Prisons (2022)
- 1,150 prisons had at least one video conferencing facility.
- E-Mulaqat Usage (2022)
- Accounted for 7% of total visits.
- Focus
- Implementation, not just innovation