Criminal justice system is facing "unprecedented challenges"

Criminal justice system in the country is facing "unprecedented challenges" due to the changes in the nature of crime and tech-savvy criminals, Acting Chief Justice of Kerala High Court Justice Ashok Bhushan said here today.
Describing crime a "dynamic phenomenon", Justice Bhushan said the nature of crime and criminals have changed considerably due to the advent of economic liberalization, globalization and communication revolution.
"This has not only resulted in alterations in the dynamics of crime and criminal behaviour, but has also brought about multiple challenges for the criminal justice system and the society as a whole," he said.
The Acting Chief Justice was speaking after inaugurating the Plenary Session of Public Prosecutors in the state organised by the Director General of Prosecution in connection with the 155th Anniversary Celebration of Indian Penal Code 1860, here.

"Criminals have become tech-savvy and have been using latest technologies to commit various crimes. Criminals have not limited their activities to a nation, they have crossed borders and are eating the roots of the society globally.
"As a result, it is becoming difficult for the criminal justice system to make our society safe," Justice Bhushan said while emphasising the need for imparting training for law officers in order to make the criminal justice system and society strong enough to face the "unprecedented challenges".

He said though the Indian Penal Code 1860 was made for the smooth governance of the British Raj when British rule was in existence, even after the completion of 67 years of India's independence, we follow the same penal law, despite some little changes/additions.

"As a piece of legislation, most of the principles and theories underlying the IPC are time tested ones and are incapable of being replaced with new provisions," Justice Bhushan said.
Justice K T Sankaran, Advocate General K P Dandapani, Director General of Prosecution T Asaf Ali and Delhi Judicial Academy Chairman B T Kaul also addressed the inaugural function.