New Delhi: The judiciary in Delhi has introduced digital signatures in a bid to tackle fraud.
The new method involves computer algorithms that cannot be reproduced else. The technology is said to be foolproof.
The concept was floated a few years ago during discussions on the computerisation of courts. Little progress was made but the project gathered momentum when Sher Singh Rana, the convicted killer of Uttar Pradesh's dacoit-turned-politician Phoolan Devi, fled from Tihar Jail using the fraudulent signature of a judge.
"Taking a cue from Rana's escape, we learned a lesson and thought of adopting a technology which is not only fast but authentic too. The concept of digital signatures came in our mind," said a judicial officer.
Special technique
A security expert said: "Signatures are digitally encrypted on computers using a special technique. The computer generates the signature only when a specific password is entered, making the complete process very safe."
At present, five judicial officers in various district courts and 25 judges of the Supreme Court are using the new signatures.
"Another important feature of the new technology is the order of the judgement could be sent directly to Tihar Jail via e-mail, which would reduce the risk of fraudulent papers," the security expert added.
"The e-mail will reach first followed by the papers. Officials can crosscheck and verify the orders," the expert said, adding cases like that of Sher Singh Rana would not occur."
"Not only would this particular technology result in increased safety, it would also reduce red tape, which is common in the working style of the courts," said a judicial officer using the technology.
