In a groundbreaking move to make law enforcement more accessible, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has issued a directive that will allow complainants to receive copies of their First Information Reports (FIRs) in 23 languages, including regional languages such as Maithili, Santhali, and Nepali. This initiative aims to break down language barriers and ensure that justice is accessible to all citizens, regardless of their linguistic background.

A Significant Change in the FIR Process

Up until now, FIRs were generally available only in Hindi, English, and a few regional languages. This limited language availability often posed challenges for individuals who were not proficient in these languages. With the new directive, the NCRB aims to provide a more inclusive approach, allowing complainants to receive FIRs in the language they are most comfortable with. This will not only improve the overall experience for the public but also promote better communication between the police and citizens.

The directive, which was announced by NCRB Director Alok Ranjan, mandates that police stations across India, including those in Bihar, provide FIRs in the complainant’s preferred language. This move comes as a part of the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize law enforcement processes and make them more citizen-friendly.

Supported Languages Under the New Directive

The new system will support a wide array of languages, reflecting the linguistic diversity of India. The list of languages includes Hindi, English, Maithili, Santhali, Nepali, Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. These languages encompass a broad spectrum of regional and national tongues, ensuring that a majority of the population can access FIRs in their preferred language.

This move is especially beneficial for people living in regions where their native language is not widely spoken or understood by the police. By giving them the option to receive FIRs in their language, the NCRB is making the legal process more inclusive and user-friendly.

The Role of Technology in Language Accessibility

The NCRB’s new directive leverages the power of technology to facilitate this linguistic transformation. The initiative utilizes the Computerized Crime and Law Enforcement Network System (CCTNS) and NCRB’s AI-powered language translator, known as “Bhashini.” This tool, developed under the Crime Multi-Agency Centre (CRY-MAC), allows for the instant translation of FIRs into the complainant’s chosen language. The translation is done in real-time, eliminating the delays associated with manual translation.

Bhashini, an advanced AI tool, is designed to handle multiple languages and provide accurate translations quickly. This ensures that the process of generating and delivering FIRs is much faster and more efficient than before. The ability to instantly translate FIRs means that complainants can receive their documents without the waiting time previously caused by manual translation, thereby improving overall service delivery.

Impact on Police-Citizen Communication

One of the most significant benefits of this new system is the improvement in communication between the police and the public. Language has long been a barrier for many citizens when it comes to interacting with law enforcement. Often, people who are not fluent in Hindi or English faced difficulties in understanding the legal process or filing complaints. This new initiative ensures that language will no longer be a hindrance in accessing justice.

An NCRB spokesperson mentioned that the facility is designed to simplify communication and ensure that individuals from all linguistic backgrounds can effectively engage with the police. This move is expected to enhance transparency, improve citizen satisfaction, and build stronger trust in the police.

By making FIRs available in regional languages, the police are taking a significant step toward ensuring that all citizens can participate fully in the legal process. It is also expected that this initiative will help foster a sense of inclusivity and equality, especially for people from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Strengthening Trust and Transparency in Policing

The NCRB’s directive is a strategic move aimed at modernizing policing across the country. By using AI and automated translation tools, the initiative addresses one of the key concerns regarding accessibility to the legal process. This will likely lead to increased transparency in law enforcement, as citizens will be able to clearly understand and review the details of their complaints in a language they are familiar with.

With the integration of this new system, the police force is positioning itself as more responsive and accountable to the public. As a result, the public’s trust in the police is expected to grow, leading to a more positive relationship between law enforcement and citizens.

Moreover, the NCRB’s directive also aligns with the government’s broader goal of digitalization in the public sector, enhancing efficiency, reducing delays, and making the justice system more accessible to everyone.

Encouraging Linguistic Diversity and Inclusion

India is a country with rich linguistic diversity, and ensuring that legal documents like FIRs are available in multiple languages is a step toward recognizing and embracing this diversity. The ability to choose a language that resonates with the individual will not only make the legal process easier but also empower citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities better.

In areas like Bihar, where languages such as Maithili, Santhali, and Nepali are spoken widely, this change will have a particularly significant impact. It will ensure that individuals from these regions can interact with law enforcement in their native language, helping to overcome any barriers to understanding or communication.

A Step Toward Modernizing Policing in India

This initiative marks a significant shift in how police services are delivered in India. By utilizing AI and modern technology, the NCRB is setting a precedent for future reforms in law enforcement. It is a clear indication of how technology can be used to improve public services and make the legal system more efficient and accessible.

In the coming years, this system is likely to be expanded further, offering additional features and support for even more languages. As AI continues to evolve, it could open up new possibilities for even greater efficiency in the legal and law enforcement processes.

The NCRB’s directive to provide FIRs in 23 languages is a groundbreaking step in making the legal system more inclusive and accessible. By using AI-powered translation tools like Bhashini, the police are ensuring that citizens from all linguistic backgrounds can engage with law enforcement effectively. This initiative will not only streamline the process of obtaining FIRs but will also help improve transparency, trust, and communication between the police and the public.

In a diverse country like India, where language can often be a barrier to understanding and justice, this move will have a far-reaching impact on improving the legal experience for millions of people. It is a testament to the power of technology in transforming public services and ensuring that justice is truly accessible to all.