New Delhi, Nov 16, 2025: Former Chief Justice of India U U Lalit on Sunday voiced deep concerns over the state of India’s criminal justice system, calling it the “most neglected sphere” within the government apparatus. Speaking at a conference organised by the Ekam Nyaay Foundation, Lalit highlighted the low conviction rate, misuse of criminal laws, and the lack of professional training for police investigators.

Citing his 42 years as a lawyer, judge, and law professor, Lalit noted that the system often fails to protect the innocent. “Four out of five undertrials in prisons are eventually acquitted. This means innocent people are subjected to prolonged custody and harassment,” he said. He criticised the current setup where police officers handling normal law-and-order duties are also tasked with investigations, advocating for a clear separation between the two roles to ensure professional investigation standards, as suggested in the Supreme Court’s landmark Prakash Singh case.

Lalit pointed out flaws in evidence collection under the Code of Criminal Procedure, highlighting that statements recorded by police under Section 161 are often unsigned and later recanted during trial. He described the legal process as chasing “rabbits” instead of “mice,” emphasizing the emotional and social toll on those wrongly prosecuted.

Focusing on sensitive cases, Lalit stressed safeguards against misuse of laws, particularly rape laws. He suggested that magistrates record statements of alleged victims at the earliest opportunity under oath, and that mechanisms should exist to punish false or malicious accusations during the first trial itself, rather than deferring it to a separate proceeding.

He also highlighted the grey areas in interpersonal disputes that sometimes escalate into criminal charges, calling for careful judicial and investigative handling to prevent injustice.

Ex-CJI Lalit concluded that the criminal justice system requires urgent reforms to ensure fairness, protect the innocent, and prevent misuse of laws. He said conferences like the one organised by the Ekam Nyaay Foundation provide a platform for critical discussion—what he termed an “amrit manthan”—to generate ideas that could lead to better administration of justice in India.

This call for reform comes amid ongoing debates over undertrial rights, police accountability, and the efficiency of India’s criminal justice system.