MHA Introduces New Criminal Justice Acts for Swift Digital Justice, Replacing Colonial Laws

MHA Introduces New Criminal Justice Acts for Swift Digital Justice, Replacing Colonial Laws

Asif Iqbal | January 2, 2024 | 09:28 PM IST | Breaking News, India, Jammu Kashmir, Politics | Follow on Google News

MHA Introduces New Criminal Justice Acts for Swift Digital Justice, Replacing Colonial Laws.image/daily excelsior

MHA Introduces New Criminal Justice Acts for Swift Digital Justice, Replacing Colonial Laws

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is gearing up to officially announce three new criminal justice acts, slated to replace the archaic colonial laws such as the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, before January 26, according to official sources.

The initiation of the process to notify the trio of new laws – Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam – commenced shortly after President Droupadi Murmu granted her assent on December 25.

Following the notification of these laws, the MHA plans to conduct a comprehensive training program aimed at equipping police officers, investigators, and individuals associated with forensic fields. The objective is to ensure the effective implementation of these laws, fostering fair, time-bound, evidence-based investigations, and expediting trials.

Sources reveal that the MHA intends to kick off a “trainers-training” program for the training initiative, enlisting 3,000 officers from various disciplines to instruct police officers, investigators, and forensic professionals. The program aims to cover approximately 90% of the required training within a timeframe of nine months to one year.

“The training program will encompass nearly all the necessary training within nine months to one year,” asserted the sources.

Regarding judicial training, officials disclosed that consultations have already taken place, and the training will be conducted at the Bhopal Academy.

In addition, there are plans to establish a model setup in Chandigarh, ensuring a robust online mechanism, given the expected prevalence of electronic or digital records.

The new laws, namely Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, have replaced the IPC, CrPC, and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively, following their passage in the recently concluded Winter Session of Parliament.

Under the new laws, records will be generated and supplied in electronic form, including Zero FIR, E-FIR, Chargesheet, with victims receiving information in digital format. The implementation of these laws promises justice within three years for victims, and police officers are mandated to provide information through digital means within 90 days.

A significant focus will be on forensic evidence, with 900 Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) vans allocated to all police districts for crime scene visits, videography, and the collection of mandatory forensic evidence in cases with a punishment of seven years or more.

The laws also permit the recording of evidence, videography through electronic devices, and the use of audio and video electronic means for statements of rape victims. Section 20 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita holds particular importance for the Directorate of Prosecution, defining eligibility, functions, and powers of various authorities. The legislation introduces supervision by prosecutors during the investigation phase, establishing the Directorate of Prosecution at the district level, and revising criteria for the appointment of its directors.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.