Allahabad High Court Issues Directives for Swift Implementation of ICJS in Uttar Pradesh

Court Emphasizes Electronic Communication in Bail Matters to Enhance Efficiency in Criminal Justice System

In a significant move to streamline the criminal justice system in Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court has issued directives aimed at ensuring the effective implementation and integration of the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) across the state. The judgment, delivered by Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal on December 9, 2025, underscores the necessity for technological advancements to expedite legal processes and enhance the efficiency of justice delivery.

The court has directed the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, the Director General of Police, and the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in New Delhi to prioritize the integration of the ICJS system. This initiative is expected to facilitate seamless data transfer among various pillars of the criminal justice system, including courts, police, jails, and forensic laboratories, thereby improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of justice delivery.

One of the crucial directives issued by the court is the transition from manual to electronic communication in bail and other criminal matters. Instructions in such cases are to be sent to the Joint Director (Prosecution) at the High Court Allahabad via electronic means, replacing the current time-consuming manual process. The court highlighted the inefficiency of the manual system and emphasized the potential for significant time reduction through electronic communication.

The judgment also addressed the need for adequate staffing and infrastructure at the office of the Joint Director (Prosecution) to support the effective implementation of ICJS. The Chief Secretary has been tasked with ensuring the provision of necessary resources and manpower to enable the office to function efficiently.

The court acknowledged the contributions of various officials and departments in advancing the ICJS project. The efforts of the Additional Director General (Technical) of Uttar Pradesh, the Deputy Director General of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in New Delhi, and the Director General of Prison in Uttar Pradesh were particularly noted for their assistance in the project’s implementation.

Furthermore, the court expressed satisfaction with the planned launch of ICJS-2.0, which promises to provide easy access to data for all stakeholders, thereby resolving existing challenges in obtaining necessary information for criminal cases.

The directives also called for the appointment of a nodal officer to facilitate the integration of ICJS with other state functionaries, as recommended by the Supreme Court’s e-committee. This integration is expected to include various state departments, enhancing the comprehensive nature of the ICJS project.

The Allahabad High Court’s judgment is a pivotal step towards modernizing the criminal justice system in Uttar Pradesh, aligning it with technological advancements to ensure timely and effective justice delivery.

Bottom Line:

ICJS (Interoperable Criminal Justice System) - Directions issued for effective implementation and integration of ICJS in Uttar Pradesh to improve the criminal justice administration system.

Statutory provision(s):  

• - ICJS (Interoperable Criminal Justice System)  
• - U.P. Gangsters and Anti Social Activities (Prevention) Rules, 2021  
• - BNSS Rules, 2024  
• - Rule 31(3) of BNSS Rules, 2024

Ratvar Singh v. State of U.P., (Allahabad) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2822374