Premier Probe Agencies "Spread Too Thin", Cautions Chief Justice DY Chandrachud

The premier investigative agencies of the country have been spread too thin and they must only focus on cases that involve national security and crimes against the nation, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said today. Delivering the 20th DP Kohli Memorial Lecture on CBI Raising Day, Chief Justice Chandrachud also flagged how technology has changed the crime terrain and  the agency is now facing a complex challenge.

"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," Chief Justice Chandrachud said.

Suggesting streamlining of the functions, the Chief Justice said, "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 added, pointing out that the force consists largely of officers on deputation.

Part of the solution, he suggested, was digitising the investigation process that can begin from the filing of a First Information Report. Given the huge number of cases, technology needs to be leveraged to reduce delays.

"All arms of the criminal justice administration and all stakeholders including the FSLs must collaborate by holding workshops to help confront challenged we face," he said.

The other changes should include upgrading the probe agency by making structural reforms.

Also, artificial Intelligence must be harnessed for the best outcome. Calling it a "game changer" that can revolutionise  criminal justice, he said it can be used to mine potential leads and data "with unprecedented accuracy".