Amit Shah Reviews Haryana’s Progress on New Criminal Laws
New Delhi, December 10, 2024: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired a crucial review meeting to assess the implementation of three new criminal laws in Haryana. The meeting, held in the national capital, saw the active participation of Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Haryana government.
The focus of the meeting was to evaluate Haryana’s efforts to align with the recently introduced legislations aimed at overhauling India’s criminal justice system.
Key Points of Discussion
During the session, the following areas were emphasized:
- Adaptation of Law Enforcement: Enhancing the readiness of police and judicial systems to incorporate the new legal provisions.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Strategies to educate citizens, legal practitioners, and law enforcement agencies about the implications of the new laws.
- Infrastructure Development: Modernizing police stations and courtrooms to handle evolving crime patterns, especially digital and cybercrimes.
The Union Home Minister lauded Haryana’s proactive measures and emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach between the state and central governments to ensure seamless implementation.
The Three New Criminal Laws
The new laws replacing colonial-era statutes were a central theme of the review. These include:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023: Replacing the Indian Penal Code, this legislation introduces stricter penalties for heinous crimes, including mob lynching and acid attacks.
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bill, 2023: Substituting the CrPC, the BNSS focuses on safeguarding witness rights and expediting trial processes.
- Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023: This act simplifies evidence submission and accommodates digital evidence in trials.
These reforms aim to modernize justice delivery and ensure victim-centric legal mechanisms.
Haryana’s Efforts in Implementation
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini outlined the state’s initiatives to implement the laws effectively, which include:
- Training Programs: Specialized sessions for police and judiciary to familiarize them with the new legal framework.
- Technology Integration: Upgrading infrastructure to handle forensic and digital evidence.
- Community Outreach: Conducting awareness programs to educate citizens about their rights under the new laws.
Central Government’s Support
Shri Amit Shah reiterated the central government’s commitment to supporting Haryana in overcoming challenges, such as:
- Manpower Shortages: Addressing the need for additional personnel in law enforcement and judiciary.
- Awareness Deficit: Bridging the knowledge gap in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Coordination Hurdles: Strengthening inter-agency collaboration for efficient implementation.
The Union Minister emphasized the importance of Haryana serving as a model state in adopting these reforms.
Looking Ahead
The review meeting reflects the government’s dedication to implementing modern, robust, and victim-focused criminal laws. Haryana’s efforts are paving the way for a nationwide rollout of these progressive reforms.
Shri Amit Shah urged all stakeholders to maintain momentum and ensure the timely delivery of justice.