5 March 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. Law, order and AI

(Source – Indian Express, Section – The Ideas Page – Page No. – 11)

Analysis of the news:

The Global AI Race and Its Implications

• These developments are set to redefine the global technology landscape, intensifying the race for AI dominance.
• While these advancements present numerous opportunities, they also bring challenges, particularly in areas such as crime control and law enforcement.

AI’s Impact on Crime and Cybersecurity

• Much like the internet and cyber technology revolutionized crime, AI is poised to alter the landscape of criminal activity.
• AI-powered tools enable cybercriminals to operate more efficiently with minimal technical expertise.
• Advanced text generation, realistic image creation, and voice cloning have given rise to new forms of cybercrime, including sophisticated scams and frauds.
• Deep learning and generative AI can enhance traditional criminal methods, making detection and prevention more difficult.
• However, AI also offers significant potential to counteract these threats, providing law enforcement with innovative tools to combat crime effectively.

AI in Law Enforcement: A Solution for Efficiency

• India’s criminal justice system differs significantly from that of Western countries.
• Unlike the US, where law enforcement and prosecutors exercise discretion in investigating and prosecuting cases, Indian law mandates the registration and trial of all cases.
• This has led to an overburdened system struggling under its weight. AI presents an opportunity to introduce greater efficiency and transparency in law enforcement.
• Indian police forces handle an overwhelming number of cases, and AI could streamline various processes.
• Automating complaint registration, tracking investigations, and flagging critical procedural steps would enhance both efficiency and accountability.
• Additionally, AI can analyze crime patterns, offender routes, and patrolling data to create predictive models, guiding police operations in real-time.

AI in Police Administration and SMART Policing

• A significant portion of police personnel is engaged in administrative tasks rather than direct law enforcement.
• AI could automate data collation and analysis, allowing officers to focus on critical operations such as investigations, patrolling, and traffic management.
• India’s SMART policing initiative—Strategic, Meticulous, Adaptable, Reliable, and Transparent policing—could be significantly enhanced with AI integration.
• AI’s ability to process and interpret vast amounts of data in multiple formats, including text, images, and audio, ensures that no crucial evidence is overlooked.
• Human errors, whether accidental or deliberate, can be minimized, thereby strengthening the integrity of investigations.
• Additionally, AI-driven data management improves transparency, ensuring that accurate information is accessible across the organization and to the public.

AI and the Indian Judiciary: Tackling the Case Backlog

• The Indian judiciary enjoys strong public trust, but its credibility is under strain due to a backlog of over 50 million cases.
• The traditional approach of increasing courts and personnel has proven ineffective, given the financial and logistical constraints.
• AI offers a practical solution to manage and expedite legal proceedings.
• AI-powered transcription of court proceedings can streamline case documentation, reducing delays caused by manual processes.
• Automated case management systems can improve the storage, retrieval, and sharing of legal documents.
• AI can also detect inconsistencies in case files, authenticate documents, and assist judges in legal research, thereby expediting the decision-making process.
• Higher courts could leverage AI for supervising lower courts and analyzing workload distribution.

Policy Measures for AI Integration in Justice Administration

• To fully harness AI’s potential in law enforcement and the judiciary, policy measures must be implemented at both central and state levels.
• The government should establish a dedicated task force to study AI’s applications in public service, particularly in justice administration.
• A phased and expedited AI rollout across police stations and judicial offices, along with comprehensive personnel training, would be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition.

Conclusion:

• While the US and China compete for AI dominance, India must focus on leveraging AI for administrative efficiency and public service improvements.
• Rather than aspiring for immediate global leadership in AI, India should adopt a strategic approach, utilizing technology to address systemic inefficiencies in governance.
• By integrating AI into law enforcement and judiciary operations, India can enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability, ultimately strengthening its justice system.

Check out 4 March 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis