From Surveillance to Sentencing: Evaluating AI's Role in Indian Criminal Justice

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming criminal investigations across the globe, emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against crime. In India, the adoption of AI technologies is accelerating, particularly in response to the growing prevalence of cybercrime and the exponential increase in digital evidence. Traditional investigative methods often struggle to cope with the volume and complexity of modern criminal activity, prompting Indian law enforcement agencies to explore AI-driven solutions. Technologies such as predictive policing, facial recognition, natural language processing, and data analytics offer the potential for faster response times, higher accuracy, and improved investigative outcomes. Predictive algorithms can identify crime-prone areas, while facial recognition systems can swiftly pinpoint suspects—tasks that once required significant time and manpower. Additionally, AI shows promise in addressing cybercrime, one of the most formidable challenges currently facing Indian authorities. However, the integration of AI into criminal investigations raises critical concerns regarding privacy, surveillance, data protection, and algorithmic bias. India's regulatory framework for AI use in law enforcement remains underdeveloped, posing significant risks to civil liberties and fundamental rights. This paper critically examines the potential benefits and inherent risks of deploying AI in criminal investigations within the Indian context and highlights key legal, ethical, and policy challenges that must be addressed to ensure its responsible and equitable implementation.