Court mandates comprehensive reforms in forensic services, judicial processes, and police cooperation to address systemic deficiencies.
n a significant judgment delivered on May 7, 2026, the Allahabad High Court, presided by Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal, denied bail to Mevalal Prajapati, accused of murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The Court underscored the seriousness of the allegations against Prajapati, noting the evidence presented, including the recovery of a blood-stained screwdriver and e-rickshaw linked to the deceased.
Beyond the specifics of the bail application, the judgment highlights systemic issues contributing to the pendency of criminal cases in Uttar Pradesh. The Court identified multiple deficiencies, including shortages in forensic staff and advanced equipment, delays in forensic report generation, non-execution of court processes, and insufficient police cooperation.
Justice Deshwal issued comprehensive directions aimed at addressing these challenges. The Court called for structural reforms, including making the State's Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) autonomous under the Home Ministry, filling vacancies, and equipping them with high-end instruments. It emphasized the need for training police officers in forensic evidence collection and the immediate execution of electronic court processes such as e-summons and e-warrants, facilitated by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and U.P. Electronic Processes Rules, 2026.
The judgment also stressed digitalization to expedite judicial efficiency. It advocated the use of Speech-to-Text AI modules for recording witness statements and mandated the recording of verified electronic details during investigations to enhance process execution.
Further, the Court highlighted the need for additional ministerial staff in district courts, personal security officers for judges, and improvements in judicial infrastructure to handle the caseload effectively. It pointed out that district police chiefs should personally attend monthly monitoring meetings to ensure accountability in executing court processes.
The judgment resonates with the need for a robust judicial system free from administrative and procedural bottlenecks. By addressing these systemic issues, the Allahabad High Court aims to fortify the judicial framework, expedite case disposals, and uphold justice in the face of increasing criminal activities.
Bottom Line:
Application of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and U.P. Electronic Processes Rules, 2026 in addressing pendency of criminal cases and enhancing judicial efficiency through digitalisation and electronic processes.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, U.P. Electronic Processes Rules, 2026, Rule 31 BNSS Rules, 2024, Section 105 BNSS.
Mevalal Prajapati v. State of U.P., (Allahabad) : Law Finder Doc id # 2895471
