Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 1: Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw has underscored the urgent need for a robust techno-legal framework to tackle emerging new-age crimes such as deepfakes and AI-driven cyber threats.
Speaking at the 21st D P Kohli Memorial Lecture on the 62nd Foundation Day of the CBI, Vaishnaw emphasized that the future of effective criminal justice lies in the seamless integration of legal frameworks, technological capability, and institutional innovation.
He urged the CBI to establish state-of-the-art Cyber Forensic Labs in collaboration with academia, highlighting the significant technological potential available within India’s research and scientific community.
"Our academia, scientists, and researchers possess remarkable strengths that must be harnessed by investigative agencies, law officers, and government departments to co-develop cutting-edge technological solutions," the Minister stated.
He called for closer collaboration between Ministries and Departments such as MeitY, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and Department of Science and Technology (DST) to co-create advanced tools for modern law enforcement.
Vaishnaw stressed that legal measures alone would not be sufficient to combat sophisticated crimes. He reiterated that a techno-legal approach—merging legal reforms with advanced technology—was essential to strengthen the country’s criminal justice and investigative frameworks.
He also highlighted India’s ongoing legal reforms, stating that over 1,500 outdated colonial-era laws have been repealed. New frameworks such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have replaced the IPC and CrPC, paving the way for a simplified and modern legal system.
During the event, 26 officers of the CBI were awarded President’s Police Medals (PPM) for Distinguished Service and Police Medals (PM) for Meritorious Service, recognizing their dedication and exceptional contributions.
Addressing the topic ‘Viksit Bharat@2047 - A Roadmap for CBI’, Vaishnaw outlined a strategic vision for the agency’s role in India’s development over the next two decades. He stressed the importance of equipping investigative agencies with advanced cybersecurity tools and ensuring that they remain at the forefront of tackling technology-driven crimes.
The event was attended by CBI Director Praveen Sood, the Attorney General of India, the Central Vigilance Commissioner, Directors of IB and ED, and Heads of NIA and Central Paramilitary Forces. Police Liaison Officers (PLOs) from other countries were also present.
The CBI pays tribute to its founder director, Dharamnath Prasad Kohli, every year by organizing the D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture since 2000.