Government Gears Up for Rollout of New Criminal Laws: Modern Justice System Unveiled

India will implement three new criminal laws on Monday: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. These legislation will replace the Indian Evidence Act, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Penal Code, which is outdated. The new rules, which include elements such as Zero FIR, online police complaints, electronic summonses, and mandatory crime scene recording for serious offenses, aim to modernize the legal system.

The Prime Minister’s Vision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of these revisions, adding that the new laws prioritize ‘citizen first, dignity first, and justice first.’ He underlined the need of data-driven policing above traditional ways.

Ministry of Home Affairs Initiatives

The Ministry of Home Affairs has started a number of steps to ensure that new laws are effectively implemented and that police, judicial, and forensic personnel, as well as the general public, are aware of them.

Technological Upgradation

1. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB):

   • Changed the CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems) application to comply with the new laws.
   • Created CCTNS 2.0, which includes crime scene videography and forensic evidence collecting.
   • The NCRB Compendium of Criminal Laws smartphone app was launched and is now available on several platforms, with 1.2 lakh users.

2. National Informatics Centre (NIC):

   • Developed e-Sakshaya, Nyayashruti, and e-Summon apps to help with crime scene recording and electronic court summons.
   • The CCTNS, e-Prison, e-Prosecution, and e-Forensic apps have been updated to reflect the new laws.

Capacity Building

1. Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D):

   • Developed 13 training courses for diverse stakeholders.
   • 250 training courses/webinars were held, with over 40,000 officers and personnel being trained.
   • An extra 5.84 lakh officers were trained by the states and union territories, including police, prison, forensic, judicial, and prosecution staff.

2. Higher Education Department:

   • Distributed informational flyers to universities and colleges.
   • Organized conferences with legal and judicial representatives.

3. iGOT-Karmayogi Bharat:

   • Launched courses on the new laws, with high enrollment and completion rates.
   • Encouraged state leaders to attend these classes.

Publicity and Awareness Campaign

1. BPR&D Coordination:

   • Created thematic posters and flyers.
   • Collaborated with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to increase publicity through social and conventional media.

2. All India Radio/Doordarshan:

   • Covered events and conducted in-depth discussions on the new laws.

3. MyGov:

   • Uploaded informative flyers and conducted a quiz to spread awareness.

Curriculum Inclusion

• The Bar Council of India has mandated that the new criminal statutes be included in legal education courses beginning with the academic year 2024-25.
• NCERT intends to incorporate the new regulations into school curricula in stages, commencing in October 2024.

Review Meetings

The Home Secretary convened many review meetings with various ministries, agencies, and state authorities to ensure a seamless transition to the new legislation.

Proposed Events for July 1

• Higher education institutions will hold events such as group discussions, workshops, and quizzes to highlight the new laws.
• Police stations will organize public meetings to explain the new regulations, which will include participation from community people and local organizations.

These thorough efforts ensure that the new criminal laws are efficiently applied and understood throughout the country, representing a substantial advancement in India’s legal and justice systems.

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Source: India Today