The three New Criminal Laws- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, will come into force tomorrow. The government of India has held regular meetings with States and Union Territories and they are fully geared up in terms of technology, capacity building and awareness generation to implement the new Criminal Laws. A report says that these Bills were passed by the Parliament during the winter session last year. The new criminal laws mark a significant step towards empowering Indian citizens. These laws aim to create a more accessible, supportive, and efficient justice system for everyone. The key provisions of the new criminal laws include Reporting Incidents Online, Filing FIR at Any Police Station as well as the victims getting a free copy of FIR. Apart from this, in the event of an arrest, the individual has the right to inform a person of his choice about their situation. The new laws have also prioritized the investigations for offences against women and children, ensuring timely completion within two months of recording information. In the new criminal laws, it has become mandatory for forensic experts to visit crime scenes for serious offences and collect evidence. Summons can now be served electronically, expediting legal processes, reducing paperwork, and ensuring efficient communication between all parties involved.
To implement the new Criminal Laws, training of the Police and investigating authorities have been done for a smooth transition into the system. Discussions and in-depth analysis have been covered through news bulletins, programs, discussions and social media platforms of Doordarshan and Akashvani. Public Awareness flyers, interaction programs, informational websites, and ministerial-level webinars have also been held. Additionally, Mandatory inclusion of course modules in schools and higher education institutes are also some of the steps taken.
As the new Criminal Laws laid emphasis on technology in investigation, trial and court proceedings, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has made 23 functional modifications in the existing Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS) application. It is also providing technical assistance to the States and UTs for seamless transition to the new system.
Sources said that University Grants Commission, All India Council for Technical Education and CFIs as well as all Higher Education Institutions in States and Union Territories will organize one-day activities tomorrow which will include group discussions, workshops, question-answer sessions, quizzes on various provisions of the new criminal laws. With the commencement of these three criminal laws, a program will be organized by the Officer-in-Charge of each police station in all States and Union Territories, highlighting the salient features of the new criminal laws.
