Digital evidence emerging as decisive tool in trials: Ex-judge

Lucknow: Digital evidence is emerging as a decisive tool in judicial cases, particularly when no eyewitnesses are available, said retired Justice Talwant Singh at a seminar on the Importance of Digital Evidence in Judicial Matters at the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Sciences (UPSIFS) on Tuesday.Citing the 26/11 Mumbai attacks case, he noted that internet transcripts were pivotal in convicting terrorist Ajmal Kasab. Singh said that under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership, Uttar Pradesh is adopting a technology-driven approach to strengthen the judiciary. Frameworks are being developed to formally recognise digital evidence, while video-conferencing facilities in courts are being expanded to speed up proceedings and improve transparency. Defining digital evidence as "all data created in digital form and collected in one place," Singh highlighted its growing role in cases ranging from theft to cybercrime. He said the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) makes provisions to recognise digital evidence, including oral statements recorded via video calls, and pointed to Section 273 of the CrPC, which allows witness statements to be recorded through video conferencing. He added that authentic digital records, from CCTV footage to server logs, have become indispensable for fair trials and stronger convictions.

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