J&K Police organises workshop on importance of criminal appeal

Srinagar, Apr 26: Jammu and Kashmir police on Thursday organized an one-day workshop on the importance of criminal appeal in Higher Courts and role of prosecutors and investigators, at Police Auditorium here.

High Court Justices Ali Mohammad Magray and Justice M K Hanjura addressed the gathering of officers present at the workshop.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Magray said that criminal justice system was comprised of three facets -- Law enforcement agency, Prosecution and Court. He reiterated that all the three facets have to work in unison for the fair justice system to prevail.

He appreciated the role of police in dealing with major challenges like white colour crimes, social crimes, socio-political instability and mass agitations. Further expressing his dismay that juvenile delinquency, alcoholism and social disorder has led to decadence of ethical values in our societies.

Highlighting the multi-dimensional role played by police, Justice Magray emphasized that the regular training and a good understanding of information technology is essential for an investigating officer in present times.

Justice Hanjura stressed on the importance of collecting first hand evidence from the scene of crime. He threw light on the importance of forensic evidence and its good documentation which he said can help in recreating accurately a scene of Crime.

Besides, the other learned jurists of the state, legal experts and prosecuting officers also attended the workshop. Also various serving and retired police officers were persent on the occasion.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Swayam Prakash Pani in his welcome address emphasised the need for sensitizing investigators and prosecutors with the procedure of appeal in Higher Courts. Delving further on the topic, he reiterated that the idea was to bring together two important pillars of criminal jurisprudence and to hone the investigation skills of officers.

The IGP also highlighted the purpose of investigation fund which is being provided to investigation officers. Stressing the need for bringing in transparency in investigation processes, IGP highlighted the utility of CCTNS in investigation processes at Police Stations. He further expressed his desire to conduct such more workshops in near future for a meaningful and fruitful dialogue among various stake holders of criminal justice system.