CM formally launches implementation of 3 new criminal laws in U’khand
By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 1 Jul: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami formally launched the new Criminal Laws (Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Adhiniyam-2023 (Indian Civil Defence Code 2023) and Bharaitya Sakshya Adhiniyam-2023 (Indian Evidence Act) while participating in a programme held at the Police Headquarters, here, today. These laws have now become applicable across the country replacing the old IPC Act, CrPC and the Evidence Act. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the IO application based on the three new laws and distributed tablets to the investigating policemen.
Congratulating all those present on the occasion, the CM termed this day as an historic one for justice in India and remarked that this will pave the way for reforms in the Indian justice mechanism. He added that the new criminal laws are being implemented according to the needs of the present time and by replacing various old and unnecessary laws in place since the British era. Dhami asserted that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the new laws will strengthen the concept of justice and help the police and courts on a large scale in making the process of getting justice simpler and more accessible.
The CM added that discipline, fairness and justice have been an old tradition of the country. These three laws will ensure protection of freedom and human rights while ensuring equal treatment to every citizen of the country.
The CM also claimed that these laws reflect the commitment of the Modi government towards eradicating the mentality of slavery and to get rid of colonial laws. The new law will provide a new direction to the country during the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence. He insisted that with the enforcement of the new Criminal Laws, the judicial system will become completely indigenous. This will be governed by India, for India and according to the laws made by the Indian Parliament. The new laws will protect the rights of citizens and also strengthen law and order across the country.
Dhami reminded that the facility of e-FIR has also been introduced in the new laws. Now the courts also will not give consent to withdraw the case without giving the victim an opportunity to be heard. The use of technology and forensic science have been promoted and encouraged in the new laws. The new justice system will promote greater use of state-of-the-art technologies to provide transparent and quick justice to all. Use of online system has also been emphasised in the new laws. Everything has been incorporated in the new laws with great clarity and simplicity.
The CM added that, for the first time in the history of independent India, Indian laws are very clear in defining terrorism, organised crime and economic crimes. A provision regarding mob lynching has been incorporated clearly in the new laws. Clear provisions have been made to prosecute the criminals even if they have become fugitives. He added that one revolutionary step is the introduction of community service as a punishment for very minor crimes.
Dhami claimed that the state government is committed to providing justice to the people and protecting their rights. The state government has separately made a provision of Rs 20 crore for the implementation of the new laws. He also assured that, in future also, the departments implementing these laws will be provided necessary assistance. He expressed confidence that Uttarakhand Police will implement all the three laws with full commitment.
Chief Secretary Radha Raturi added that, today, the historic decision is being implemented in the whole country. FIRs will also be registered in new sections in all the police stations with effect from today onwards. She reminded that the new criminal laws are being implemented as per the needs of the current situation in place of the old laws which were in force from the British period till today. She also commented that very good laws have been made mainly in the interest of women and weaker sections of society. Greater use of technology and forensic science has been encouraged and incorporated in the new laws. They will lead to quicker investigation, collection of evidence of various types including forensic and digital. With the implementation of the new laws, investigation can be carried out in a more scientific manner.
Director General of Police (DGP) Abhinav Kumar said that this is the biggest revolutionary change in the Indian justice system after independence. These laws were passed by Parliament in December 2023 for implementation with effect from 1 July this year. For implementing the new laws, extensive preparations were launched by the State Home Department and the Police Department from then itself. As a result, today the new criminal laws stand implemented in Uttarakhand too. The new laws have been formed focusing on three main factors – justice, equality and fairness. The Police would work with full dedication towards realising the vision of the Prime Minister in implementing these laws. He also shared that, for the successful implementation of new criminal laws in the state, 23 different incorporations received from NCRB by the CCTNS / SCRB team have been included in the case software of CCTNS. This historic citizen-centric change aims to address victim-centric justice, ensure strong national security and integration of digital evidence in legal proceedings, for which IO application has been developed at the Police Headquarters level. It will be helpful in collecting digital evidence from the scene of the crime, for which tablets have been distributed to investigators by the Chief Minister.
During the programme, advocates, police officers, public representatives from various districts also shared detailed information on the three new laws. On this occasion, Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, Home Secretary Dilip Jawalkar, Director, Prosecution, Dr PVK Prasad, ADGs Dr V Murugeshan, Amit Sinha and AP Anshuman, IG level officers, along with SSPs, SPs and other officers of various districts were present physically or on virtual basis.
