Can AI be used to analyze crime scene videos to interpret the sign language of a disabled person lodging an FIR? MP High Court asks

With the increasing use of technology in law, the Madhya Pradesh High Court recently asked whether AI-enabled applications can be used to interpret sign language for disabled victims/complainants who approach the Police to file a WIRE

Justice Anand Pathak of Gwalior also questioned whether crime scene video data, now compulsorily recorded under the provisions of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), can be better analyzed with the help of AI applications.

It was said,

“wwhether any protocol can be conceptualized for different steps for crime scene recording for recording important crime scene features with the help of law enforcement/Investigating Agency some steps or protocol can be formulated or artificial intelligence induced application can be created to analyze the recorded video data so as to provide the necessary clues/indications to the Investigating Officer to investigate the case in a particular direction or in respect of a particular person whose evidence is left at the crime scene.

NIC told the Court that such a concept can be turned into reality.

The development comes ahead of the Court’s intention to advance the criminal justice system by integrating the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) with the SANDES application.

ICJS stores case data. The SANDES app is an Indian state-owned instant messaging platform primarily used for inter-departmental communication in the central government.

The integration of the two applications will synchronize data from all sectors such as Police, Prison, Criminal and Prosecution, so that the transfer of data and its use is facilitated without delay. “The purpose is to bring connectivity and communication of the complainant/victim with the Bureau of Investigation/Prosecutor and other interested parties.” the Court had said earlier.

During the hearing, the NIC team demonstrated six steps for synchronizing the SANDES application with ICJS. The court discussed several key features of the synchronization process, including seamless transfer of data across various verticals such as police, prison, forensics and prosecution. It also suggested the creation of a “prisoner identification” system that would serve as a comprehensive record for each detainee, facilitating the exchange of information between various stakeholders. This ID could even be used in legal documents like Vakalatnamas, ensuring continuity and accuracy in the documentation process.

Another significant aspect discussed was the use of one-way communication to inform complainants and victims of the latest developments in their cases. The court held, “The one-way job is to ensure the latest updates for the complainant/victims as well as the protection of victims from intimidation.”

The NIC team requested eight weeks to complete the synchronization project.

Meanwhile, the Court also directed the Deputy Attorney General to coordinate with various ministries to explore the possibility of implementing this project at the national level. The matter has been scheduled for a further hearing on October 16.

Recently, the Delhi High Court also asked for the finalization of the technical solution for syncing the ICJS with the police criminal database to avoid any discrepancies.

Reference: MCRC-24900-2023