Police must establish a centralized knowledge repository, to support young, inexperienced officers, says HC

The Kerala High Court said on Tuesday that the State police department ought to establish a centralized knowledge repository, in order to support inexperienced officers, and to improve the quality of the probe.

This would provide them access to comprehensive information and also offer guidance from a dedicated team of experts, the court said, while allowing the appeal of a mother who had been convicted by a trial court on the charge that she killed her one-and-a-half-year-old son.

In her appeal before the High Court, she contended that her son had fallen from the cot and suffered injuries, and that she was on medication for mental disorder. The prosecution countered this saying she intentionally strangled her son on April, 2018, with the intent to murder. The trial court had dismissed her arguments and convicted her.

While hearing the appeal, the Bench referred to the deposition made by the head of the Psychiatric Department of Kottayam Medical College, who supported the mother’s claims and added that she had been admitted to the hospital after attempting suicide by jumping into a well, and had a family history of psychiatric illness. The court observed that the investigating officer had not adequately considered these facts in the investigation.

Referring to the deficiencies in the investigation, the court emphasized the need for modern, scientific methods in criminal investigations, rather than rely on traditional techniques like witness statements and confessions, which could lead to errors and even acquittals in some cases. In this context, the court proposed the creation of a central knowledge repository that would provide investigating officers with access to among others, judicial precedents, and expert advice. This repository would also improve the quality of the probe, by ensuring officers have the necessary tools and guidance for effective evidence gathering, especially in cases involving complex technologies.

Published - December 17, 2024 09:25 pm IST