Criminal investigations relying on optics; no reforms: Top court

The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the state of criminal investigation and prosecution in the country, lamenting that the justice system has come to rely on mere “optics” of arresting and jailing accused individuals, while neglecting institutional reforms, scientific probe and witness protection mechanisms.

- Utkarsh Anand

"We only send people to jail and feel there is an optics that criminal laws are working in the country... There is a colonial hangover in investigation and prosecution," a bench of justices Surya