NEW DELHI, June 19: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is actively working in coordination with the Supreme Court of India to design a new mechanism aimed at significantly reducing the growing backlog of cases in the Supreme Court and various High Courts across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of the All India Fingerprint Conference-2026 organised by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in the national capital, Shah emphasized that the objective of the proposed system is to strengthen the justice delivery framework and ensure faster resolution of cases for citizens.
He highlighted that the government is focused on addressing delays in the criminal justice system through structural reforms, improved coordination, and greater use of technology in investigation and prosecution processes.
Shah underlined the importance of accurate and uncontaminated evidence collection from crime scenes, stating that forensic integrity is crucial for securing timely and reliable convictions. He urged police personnel and forensic experts to ensure proper handling of evidence to avoid procedural delays in courts.
The Home Minister also referred to the implementation of the new criminal laws introduced by the government, stating that they are designed to modernize the justice system and reduce procedural bottlenecks that contribute to pendency.
He stressed that police officials must file timely charge sheets, follow up effectively with prosecution teams, and actively pursue cases in courts to avoid unnecessary delays in judgments.
Highlighting the role of technology, Shah suggested that artificial intelligence and machine learning should be used to analyze crime data and identify patterns that can help in preventing crimes and tracking offenders more efficiently. He also emphasized the need for strengthening data-driven policing across the country.
Shah proposed expanding the use of the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), stating that its effectiveness can be enhanced by continuously updating it with fingerprints collected from crime scenes. According to him, the system is currently underutilized and requires broader integration across investigations.
He further advocated for establishing a modus operandi bureau under NCRB to study criminal patterns, repeat offenders, and cross-border crime networks in a more structured manner.
Referring to the broader transformation of the criminal justice system, Shah said the aim is to shift from a traditional policing approach to a more responsive and rights-based justice delivery model that ensures quicker outcomes for citizens.
He also called for better training of prosecutors and law enforcement officers to ensure that only relevant and strong evidence is presented in court, improving efficiency in trials and reducing unnecessary procedural delays.
The government, he added, remains committed to ensuring a streamlined justice system where technology, forensic science, and coordinated institutional efforts work together to reduce pendency and improve conviction rates.