Chandigarh Becomes First to Fully Implement New Criminal Laws: Amit Shah Calls It a Golden Day for Indian Justice System
Chandigarh, December 3: Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Chandigarh for becoming the first region in the country to fully implement the landmark three criminal laws: the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). Shah also announced that these laws would be implemented across the country within the next three years.
Addressing a program dedicated to the nationwide introduction of these laws, Shah hailed the development as a transformative milestone for India’s criminal justice system.
“Today is a golden day for the Indian criminal justice system as Chandigarh has become the first unit to fully implement all three new criminal laws. Police, jail, judiciary, prosecution, and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) are all working to fully enforce these new laws,” Shah stated.
Moving Beyond Colonial Laws
Highlighting the need for a paradigm shift, Shah criticized the existing criminal laws—Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Evidence Act—as outdated and serving colonial interests.
“These laws were 160 years old, made in the British Parliament, and were designed to protect British rule rather than serve the Indian people. The new laws introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are designed by Indians for the justice of Indians,” he said.
He emphasized that the new laws focus on delivering justice instead of merely imposing punishments. “These laws have no place for punishment but justice. They will be implemented across the entire country within three years,” Shah added.
New Measures for Transparency and Efficiency
Shah also elaborated on the innovative measures introduced under the new framework. A new post, Director of Prosecution, has been created to combat corruption effectively. Additionally, the term “sedition” (rajdroh) has been replaced with “treason” (deshdroh).
He shared notable achievements under the new system, revealing that over 11 lakh FIRs have been registered, and 9,500 cases have already been resolved within just four months.
Prime Minister Modi’s Perspective
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the same event, underscored the historic significance of replacing colonial-era laws.
“In 1947, when we gained independence, the nation hoped to be freed from British laws, which symbolized oppression and exploitation. Unfortunately, these laws persisted for decades. The new Nyay Sanhita strengthens the foundation of democracy—‘Of the People, By the People, For the People,’” Modi stated.
The Prime Minister criticized the penal mindset that lingered post-independence and explained the extensive efforts involved in drafting the new laws. Inputs were taken from Chief Justices of India, High Court judges, legal experts, judicial academies, and civil society, ensuring a comprehensive and contemporary framework.
A Nation-Wide Reform
The new criminal laws, which officially came into effect on July 1, 2024, aim to modernize India’s legal system, making it more transparent, efficient, and in tune with the needs of a democratic society.
With Chandigarh setting the precedent, the nationwide implementation of these laws promises a new era for India’s justice system, reflecting the aspirations of a free and progressive nation.
