Patna: Bihar has taken a step towards digitising its criminal justice system with the successful completion of the state’s first mock trial under the Nyayashruti platform, an initiative designed to support the implementation of India’s new criminal laws.
The mock trial was conducted under the supervision of the Home Department, led by its Secretary Kundan Kumar, as part of the state’s efforts to modernise judicial processes through technology.
According to the government, the platform is intended to reduce delays in criminal proceedings by enabling secure digital recording of testimony from witnesses, police officers, forensic experts and prison inmates.
First Mock Trial Conducted In Patna
For the pilot exercise, authorities selected a case from the court of Gaurav Kumar, District and Additional Sessions Judge-23, Patna.
The trial brought together all key components of the criminal justice system, including the Prosecution Office, Model Central Jail, Beur, and the Forensic Science Laboratory, Patna.
The National Informatics Centre (NIC) provided the technical support required to conduct the digital proceedings.
Officials described the mock trial as successful and said it demonstrated the feasibility of integrating multiple criminal justice institutions through a single digital platform.
Witnesses To Testify Remotely
The Nyayashruti system is designed to minimise the need for physical appearances during court proceedings.
Under the proposed framework, witnesses, investigating police officers, scientific experts and prison inmates will be able to record their testimony through secure, authenticated digital channels instead of travelling to court.
The government said the system is expected to reduce procedural delays, save time and resources, and help expedite the disposal of pending criminal cases.
Rollout Planned Across Bihar
Following the successful trial, the Bihar government plans to introduce the Nyayashruti system in district courts across the state in a phased manner.
Officials said the initiative is being implemented in coordination with the Home Department and other institutions involved in the criminal justice system.
The government said the project aims to strengthen judicial efficiency and improve access to justice while supporting the implementation of the country’s new criminal laws through digital infrastructure.
