Criminal Case Management System and Sankalan App

• 21 Mar 2024

Source: PIB

Why in News?

In a significant move to enhance India's capability in combating terrorism and organized crime, the Ministry of Home Affairs inaugurated a digital Criminal Case Management System (CCMS) developed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi.

• Alongside the CCMS, a mobile app ‘Sankalan’, a compendium of New Criminal Laws by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) was also launched.

What is the Criminal Case Management System (CCMS)?

• The CCMS is an innovative digital platform that streamlines and enhances the management of criminal cases, particularly those related to terrorism and organised crime.
  • The CCMS software aims to standardise investigations and compile terror-related data across India.
• CCMS serves as a user-friendly and customizable browser-based software designed to facilitate coordination among law enforcement agencies, improve the efficiency of investigations, and enhance justice delivery.
• This system enables the integration, organisation, and digitalisation of data generated during investigations, providing a comprehensive tool for investigators, prosecutors, and other stakeholders involved in the criminal justice process.
• CCMS fosters stronger cooperation between central and state agencies, facilitating seamless information sharing.

Sankalan App

• The Sankalan app has been designed to navigate through new criminal laws as a bridge between old and new criminal laws.
• This app will work as a comprehensive guide for all stakeholders. The app will work in offline mode as well and its availability has been ensured in far-flung areas so that all stakeholders can have access to desired information around the clock.

What is the National Investigation Agency (NIA)?

• About:
  • The NIA is a federal agency established by the Indian government to investigate and prosecute crimes related to terrorism, insurgency, and national security matters.
  • It was formed in 2009 following the Mumbai terrorist attacks, operating under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • The NIA (Amendment) Act 2019 allows the NIA to investigate crimes committed outside India, following international treaties and laws.
    • The NIA can now investigate additional offences such as human trafficking, cyber-terrorism, and crimes under various acts.
  • At present NIA is functioning as the Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency in India.
• Headquarters: Delhi.
• Functions:
  • Collects, analyses, and disseminates intelligence related to terrorism and national security.
  • Coordinates with law enforcement agencies nationally and internationally in matters of terrorism and national security.
  • Conducts capacity-building programs for law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. The Indian government has recently strengthed the anti-terrorism laws by amending the Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act, (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of the prevailing security environment while discussing scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations. (2019)