Mapping Criminal Justice Delivery in India : Towards Development of an Index

Globalisation and economic reforms process has changed the policing terrain.

With the threat posed by terrorism, globalisation of rights and crime, resurgence and reconfiguration of identity markets, the principles and scope of criminal justice system have to be redefined.

It is, therefore, essential to address the fear and risk of crime, improve provisions for the security of individuals and their living environment by creating effective justice institutions and mechanisms that aim at the creation of a crime-free society.

It is in this backdrop that the present work has given primacy to human rights and fair delivery of justice.

This instrument provides a framework to strengthen the delivery of justice.

It uses an inclusive approach and links local cultural needs of justice with global standards of human rights.

The criminal justice system is viewed holistically. The institutions of the police, the courts and the prisons are taken as part of the system performing specialised functions.

The purpose of this mapping is to find out, how far the criminal justice system is accessible, effective and accountable. It also intends to capture the level of safety and security enjoyed by the citizens and the nature of access to justice across religion, race, caste and religion.

This has been measured with the help of multiple indicators including those from the supply and demand side along with process indicators to capture a rounded view of policy progress.