This paper presents a systematic approach to integrating a permissioned blockchain technology that effectively makes a good fit for the judicial sector. We begin with a thorough analysis of permissioned blockchain’s distinctive features: a decentralized, immutable, transparent, and distributed peer-to-peer network preserving data confidentiality where non-trusting members can engage in secure, verifiable interactions without the need for a central authority. We review how the integration of Hyperledger Fabric (an open-source permissioned blockchain framework) and the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) works. This automation of multi-step processes is designed to establish a decentralized storage system for the efficient and tamper-proof management of evidence and case-related documents. This approach strategically helps to ensure secure and controlled access to records. The pursuit of deploying secure access control through the permissioned blockchain network remains a central goal of the judicial system. We propose ensuring auditability and automation in this quest by utilizing smart contracts to enhance trust, transparency and operational efficiency within the legal system. This integrated approach, we contend, addresses key limitations of the current judicial system and provides a novel pathway for modern judicial frameworks enabling robust, capable, innovative and decentralized legal processes. Specifically, our work targets significant revolutions in the judicial system and focuses on two core characteristics: access control and data integrity.
The emergence of blockchain technologies has revolutionized the world. Private blockchain technology originated as a novel method of conducting organizational purposes and to address specific needs and challenges that public blockchains faced.
Building upon the principles of private blockchains, permissioned blockchain technology emerged as a versatile solution that allows organizations to create tailored blockchain networks with controlled access. Permissioned blockchain, also known as “side chains”, uses a network of a priori known and identified nodes to manage the blockchain. [1]
Private blockchains restrict participation to a specific group of users, making them suitable for organizations that require confidentiality and security. Permissioned blockchains build on this idea by allowing defined access rights and roles for participants, enabling flexible governance and collaboration among multiple parties.
The main fundamental data structure or an append-only fully replicated structure which operates in permissioned blockchain systems is the blockchain ledger. This ledger allows us to radically redefine how interactions and sharing between all verified (authorized) participants on a network can be set up and automated. On top of that, a consistent view of all user transactions is guaranteed by all participants in the system and kept secured in a hardened manner to prevent tampering or revision. Every transaction is time-stamped, immutable, and traceable, providing an indisputable chain of custody for evidence and judicial records. Ultimately, this reduces anonymity compared to public blockchains. In contrast to private blockchains, which restrict access to a single organization or consortium, permissioned blockchains allow multiple verified participants to access and validate transactions while maintaining strict access controls. A permissioned blockchain’s decentralized nature provides a high degree of certainty regarding greater control over data access and operations, making it a perfect fit for sensitive environments requiring strict access control sectors like the judiciary. A key aspect of permissioned blockchain technology is its support for a multiple network structure, enabling various organizations to collaborate while maintaining independent governance. This architecture facilitates secure data sharing across different networks without compromising privacy. By enhancing scalability and control over data access, it is ideal for environments requiring strict access management and efficient automated processes.
In this paper we describe Hyperledger Fabric or simply Fabric, an open-source blockchain platform that provides a smart contract system that relies on general-purpose languages instead of an ad hoc one. [6] Designed as a modular and extensible general-purpose permissioned blockchain, Fabric is the first system to support the execution of distributed applications written in standard programming languages. This allows these applications to run consistently across multiple nodes, creating the impression of execution on a single, globally distributed blockchain computer. A chaincode in the Fabric platform is a software program that encapsulates the business logic for creating and modifying logical assets in the ledger, and it can be written in various general-purpose programming languages, including Java, Go, and Node.js. This makes Fabric the first distributed operating system for permissioned blockchains. [5] Hyperledger Fabric is a prominent example of a permissioned blockchain framework designed for enterprise use. It enables organizations to build and manage consortium blockchains, where only selected members have access to the network.
Our paper presents how IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) and Hyperledger Fabric are integrated to enhance the security and efficiency of managing evidence and legal documents. IPFS is a peer-to-peer decentralized storage protocol that enables the efficient sharing and storage of files across a distributed network. It securely stores case-related documents and evidence by generating unique hashes for each file, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. Hyperledger Fabric serves as the permissioned blockchain framework that manages the recording and verification of transactions related to legal proceedings. This framework allows for the creation of immutable records and provides a controlled environment where only authorized participants, such as judges and legal representatives, can access and validate the evidence. This integration ensures transparent, tamper-proof storage of genuine legal documents, streamlining the evidence management process and significantly reducing the risk of document tampering or counterfeiting in a secure and efficient judicial system.
Section B: Overview of Judicial System in Bangladesh
As an independent nation of the world, Bangladesh adopted its constitution in 1972 which provides that various judicial entities such as courts, law enforcement agencies and legal practitioners are responsible for managing legal processes to maintain the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights. As a democratic nation, Bangladesh has a clear-cut legal system that includes multiple court levels. The Supreme Court is located at the top of this structure and it serves as a fundamental pillar in maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and administering justice in any society. Article 94(1) of the constitution provides that there shall be a Supreme Court for Bangladesh (to be known as the Supreme Court of Bangladesh) comprising two divisions – the AD( Appellate Division) and the HCD(High Court Division). [3]
It is the fundamental aim of the trial stage of the judicial system to initially hear and resolve legal disputes. It serves as the venue for the exchange of ideas, evidence, and conclusions. The trial courts are essential to the administration of justice because they uphold the concepts of justice, equality, and fairness.
Filing a case in Bangladesh means initiating the process of seeking legal judgment for an incident. There are several types of cases, such as criminal and civil cases. A criminal case can be filed either at the police station or in court. A civil case is filed in court. Along with providing a detailed description of the incident, care must be taken to ensure that evidence is not destroyed. The document where the complainant’s detailed description including the names and addresses of the accused is written is called an “Ejahar”. The record book at the police station where this “Ejahar” is registered is known as the “FIR” (First Information Report). After a case is filed, an officer from the police station is appointed as the investigating officer. Sometimes, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) may serve as the investigating officer. No matter which force conducts the investigation or makes the arrest, the case must be filed at the local police station. This is why, even if RAB, CID, or DB arrests someone, the case is filed at the local police station. [4]