District Judge Interview Prep: Understanding WhatsApp Forensics & CDR/SDR Evidence

 Here are the interview questions with detailed model answers:

1.       What are Call Detail Records (CDR) and Subscriber Detail Records (SDR), and what kind of information do they typically contain?

Answer:

CDRs are telecom operator-generated logs of voice and SMS communications. They typically record caller and receiver numbers, call duration, timestamps, cell tower location (cell ID), and SMS metadata. They help establish who communicated, when, and from where. SDRs contain static subscriber identity data like name, address, KYC information maintained by telecom companies. However, SDRs do not contain communication timing or session details.

2.       Can CDR and SDR provide timing information related to PDFs, audio, or video files shared through WhatsApp? Why or why not?

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Beyond CDR and SDR: Unlocking WhatsApp's Encrypted Evidence

 

 

Understanding the Critical Limitations of CDR and SDR in App-Based Communication Investigations

In today's digital legal landscape, misconceptions persist regarding the evidentiary capabilities of traditional telecommunication records. Call Detail Records (CDR) and Subscriber Detail Records (SDR), while foundational to telecom investigations, show significant limitations when it comes to app-based communications like WhatsApp file sharing.

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Whether the court can admit evidence of SDR, CDR and tower location in criminal case if prosecution has failed to support this evidence with S 65B Evidence Act certificate?

  In addition to the evidence of CCTV footage, the

prosecution sought to rely upon SDR, CDR and tower location of the

accused. Mahamuni (PW15) has stated in his evidence that as per his

letter issued to Superintendent of Police, Buldhana, he received four

papers which were marked as Exh. 125. He stated in his evidence

that from CDR and SDR, he came to know about the location of the

accused at the time of incident. He identified the contents of the said

letter which were marked as Exhs. 126 and 127. Learned trial Court refused to place reliance upon SDR, CDR and tower location of the accused as the said electronic evidence were not supported by certificate under Section 65B (4) of the Evidence Act. In our opinion,the learned trial Court has rightly refused to rely upon the electronic evidence placed on record by the prosecution in the form of CCTV footage, CDR, SDR and tower location of the accused for noncompliance of Section 65B (4) of the Evidence Act. {Para 126}

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

: NAGPUR BENCH : NAGPUR.

CRIMINAL CONFIRMATION CASE NO. 01 OF 2020

 State of Maharashtra, Vs  Sagar Vishwanath Borkar,

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