On July 1, three new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act. These laws aim to modernize India’s criminal justice system, introducing significant changes such as Zero FIR, online registration of complaints, electronic summonses, and mandatory videography of crime scenes for heinous crimes. As these laws come into effect, it’s crucial to examine how prepared states and police forces are to implement them. Here are ten key points highlighting the current state of readiness across various regions:
Delhi
The Delhi Police is prepared to implement the new laws, having conducted extensive training sessions and distributed handbooks to personnel. A 14-member committee, led by Special Commissioner Chhaya Sharma, was formed to study the laws and create study materials. Over the last 15 days, police personnel have engaged in trial processes by registering dummy FIRs. The evidence collection process at crime scenes will now be mandatorily videographed, and helpline numbers will be provided for officers to understand the new laws.
Bihar
Bihar Police has made elaborate preparations for the seamless transition to the new system. An awareness program will be held at every police station to highlight key features of the new laws. The state police have trained 25,000 senior officers on the new laws and digital policing, ensuring they are fully geared up in terms of technology and capacity building.
Tripura
The Tripura government has taken all necessary steps to implement the new laws, focusing on modernization, speedy justice, and safeguarding victims’ interests. Training programs have been completed for all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, social welfare departments, and the law department.
Mizoram
Mizoram has launched initiatives to ensure the smooth implementation of the new laws. However, the laws are not being translated into the Mizo language, which may pose challenges in some areas. Training is being conducted in English and Hindi.
Arunachal Pradesh
With numerous local dialects, Arunachal Pradesh will use the English and Hindi versions of the new laws. Training for officials and concerned personnel is ongoing in these languages, aligning with the state’s diverse linguistic landscape.
Assam
Assam Police has been preparing for these new laws for the past three years, viewing them as a milestone event. The force is fully prepared, having undertaken extensive preparations since the first drafts were made public. DGP GP Singh emphasized that the new laws mark a shift from colonial-era statutes to ones reflecting India’s free will.
Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, expeditious training has been provided to judicial and police personnel. Chief Minister MK Stalin acknowledged the need for time to understand and implement the new laws, recalling his request to the Union Home Minister for deferring the implementation to allow for proper consultation with states.
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh’s new laws embody a reformative philosophy, making the system transparent and effective. All cases registered since July 1 will be tried under the new laws, which emphasize technology and uniformity in filing e-FIRs, along with mandatory videography for all seizures.
Odisha
The Odisha Police is prepared to implement the new laws, having conducted training sessions for officers of inspector rank and above. The state police are ready to transition to the new system following notifications from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Jammu and Kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have compiled a compendium on the new laws, detailing provisions regarding investigation, arrest, search, seizure, and prosecution in Urdu. A six-member committee led by SSP Mubassir Latifi translated the new laws, ensuring accessibility for local law enforcement.
Conclusion
The implementation of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam marks a significant shift from colonial to modern criminal justice laws in India. While states and police forces have made substantial preparations, the real test will be in the practical application and ensuring that these laws bring the intended justice and efficiency to the system. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that these laws prioritize justice over penal action, reflecting the free will of India and marking the end of colonial criminal justice laws.