Karnal jail fully equipped for inmate video conferencing with courts
In a significant stride toward modernising the criminal justice system, Karnal district jail is now fully equipped to facilitate video conferencing for court appearances. The initiative, which links all 27 courts in the district to the jail, drastically cuts down the need for physical transportation of inmates.
Jail Superintendent Lakhbir Singh said the adoption of video conferencing has risen sharply. “We are well prepared for video conferencing. The jail has been divided into six clusters, where 33 dedicated video conferencing studios have been set up,” he said. Of these, five clusters cater to inmates, while one is designated for jail staff.
According to Singh, the shift to virtual hearings has already shown impressive results. “Around 90% of inmates now appear before courts through this system, compared to just 35% in November 2024,” he added. The mapping and implementation were carried out by Prison Headquarters in Panchkula under the guidance of Mohm. Akil, Director General of Prisons, Haryana.
The video conferencing setup offers a range of benefits: it saves time and fuel, reduces escort costs, and most crucially, eliminates security risks such as potential inmate escapes or attacks during transit.
Dr Pankaj Saini, Deputy Director Prosecution-cum-District Attorney, said the move aligns with judicial directives aimed at expanding the use of audio-visual technology across legal procedures — from framing charges to recording statements and delivering judgments. “All 27 courts in Karnal are now fully equipped with video conferencing capabilities,” he said. “Besides inmates, even witnesses now appear via video conferencing for examination, making the legal process more streamlined.”
Dr Saini also introduced the Nyay Shruti app, now functional in five district courts. “This app enables multiple participants — including inmates, police officers, witnesses, doctors and others involved in the case — to attend the hearing simultaneously,” he explained. The app’s rollout is in accordance with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and is expected to be expanded to all courts in the district.
He said the move would ease the burden on police personnel, who are often tasked with escorting inmates to and from courts. “Now, these police personnel can be assigned to other law and order duties,” he said.
