In a recent address, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud underscored the importance for Bharat’s top probe agencies to prioritize cases related to national security and crimes against the nation. Speaking at the 20th DP Kohli Memorial Lecture organized by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), CJI Chandrachud highlighted the need for a shift in focus, particularly as the CBI increasingly takes on a diverse range of criminal investigations beyond its original mandate of anti-corruption measures.
CJI Chandrachud acknowledged the expanded purview of the CBI as a positive development for the legal profession, providing additional income opportunities for legal practitioners. He referenced landmark cases such as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and the Jain Hawala case, which reshaped the CBI’s institutional framework, emphasizing the agency’s evolving role and responsibilities.
The Chief Justice emphasized the complex challenges faced by the CBI in the modern era, stressing the agency’s crucial responsibility to uphold its motto amidst evolving criminal landscapes. He emphasized the intersection of law and technology as a key avenue to address these challenges effectively.
Highlighting the significance of digital transformation in the criminal justice system, CJI Chandrachud emphasized the need for a reevaluation of Bharat’s investigative framework to confront emerging criminal networks effectively. He emphasized the role of technology in redefining crime conceptualization and investigation methodologies.
The DP Kohli Memorial Lecture, held annually since 2000 by the CBI, pays homage to the late founder of the agency, Dharamnath Prasad Kohli. Kohli’s visionary leadership in establishing the CBI as a premier investigating and prosecuting agency is commemorated through this lecture, underscoring the agency’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and operational excellence.
Dharamnath Prasad Kohli, born in Uttar Pradesh in 1907, played a pivotal role in curbing corruption within public services during his tenure as the head of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE). Upon the establishment of the CBI in 1963, Kohli served as its founding Director until 1968, leaving a lasting legacy of integrity and dedication to the agency’s mission.
The DP Kohli Memorial Lecture serves as a platform to honor Kohli’s vision and contributions to the CBI, reaffirming the agency’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and effectiveness in its investigative and prosecutorial endeavors.
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