ENHANCING JUSTICE THROUGH INTEROPERABILITY: A CAPABILITY APPROACH PERSPECTIVE ON THE INDIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

AbstractThis paper examines the Indian criminal justice system through the lens of Amartya Sen’s capability approach, arguing that justice delivery must be evaluated not merely by institutional design but by its real-world impact on citizens’ freedoms and dignity. By situating interoperability as the fulcrum of reform, it highlights how the integration of police, courts, prisons, prosecution, and forensic agencies under the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) enhances efficiency, transparency, and accountability. The study demonstrates that interoperability reduces procedural delays, prevents unlawful detention, improves access to legal aid, and strengthens victim-centric interventions, thereby aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions. The analysis emphasizes that only by addressing systemic deficits—fragmented data, resource constraints, and weak institutional coordination—can the criminal justice system move toward fairness, inclusivity, and effective protection of human rights. Keywords: Administration of Justice, Interoperability, Indian Criminal Justice System, Capability Approach, ICJS, Legal Aid, Sustainable Development Goal 16, Access to Justice, Human Rights, Rule of Law.