Karnal implements ‘Nyay Shruti’ to modernise judicial process

Karnal is setting an example in judicial modernisation with the implementation of ‘Nyay Shruti’, a technology-driven initiative aimed at streamlining court proceedings through video-conferencing.

As the pilot district for this ambitious project, Karnal has taken a significant step towards reducing physical appearances in courts, which will save time, fuel, financial resources and manpower. This initiative has been introduced in compliance with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

As part of the project, five courts in Karnal have already started conducting hearings of jail inmates through video-conferencing, eliminating the need for physical appearance. The remaining courts are expected to follow it soon.

Officials believe that if this system is implemented across all courts in the district, it will free up around 25 police personnel who are currently engaged in escorting prisoners to court hearings from jail. It will also reduce the risk of inmates escaping or being attacked during movement.

Additionally, government employees from various departments, who often have to appear in legal matters, will also be able to participate virtually. Authorities are working on extending this facility to public witnesses, further expanding the scope of digital integration in judicial proceedings.

Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh, who heads the Prosecution Department in the district, emphasised the benefits of Nyay Shruti and said that it would significantly reduce the burden on the police, government officials and witnesses, ensuring smoother judicial operations.

“We have implemented the Nyay Shruti initiative. The software has been developed and minor issues are being resolved with the help of higher authorities. The initiative is running smoothly and we are making necessary improvements to enhance its efficiency,” the DC said. Singh highlighted that apart from saving resources, the move would also contribute to faster case-resolution by reducing delays caused by logistical constraints.

By shifting towards electronic hearings, Nyay Shruti is expected to bring efficiency. Judges, lawyers and witnesses can now attend hearings remotely, eliminating unnecessary delays. The project also ensures better integration of various departments, including the police, prisons, prosecution and forensic teams, enabling smoother coordination and faster case processing, the DC added.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Ganga Ram Punia claimed that this step would save time and resources. “Nyay Shruti is a ground-breaking initiative in terms of saving time and resources. With inmates appearing via video-conferencing, security concerns related to their transportation will be minimised,” the SP added.

Pankaj Kumar Saini, Director Prosecution-cum-District Attorney, believes that this step will not only enhance judicial efficiency, but also help reduce case backlogs by expediting the trial process.