NEW DELHI: Calling the three new
criminal laws
, which came into force across India on July 1, the “biggest reforms of
21st century
,” Union home minister
Amit Shah
on Sunday said that Chandigarh will be the first administrative unit in the country where 100% implementation will be completed in the next two months.
Addressing a gathering after launching the e-evidence, Nyay Setu, Nyay Shruti and e-summon systems, the Union minister said that the main purpose of these new laws is to give
justice
to the people.
Shah expressed confidence that once the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) are fully implemented, India will possess the most advanced and technologically equipped criminal justice system globally. He described these laws as the most significant reforms of the 21st century, framed in line with the spirit of the Constitution and focused on the citizens, reported PTI.
“The BNS, BNSS and BSA are the laws made by elected representatives in Parliament and for the people of India. It has the fragrance of Indian soil and also the culture of our justice,” he stressed.
Shah highlighted that numerous changes have been incorporated into these three new laws. Citizens will now have the option to register FIRs electronically, and stringent provisions have been introduced to address mob lynching. He also noted that fleeing the country after committing a crime will no longer be an easy task.
“Earlier, those who fled the country, their cases used to remain pending for years. But now, after being declared fugitive, the trial will go on in their absence and they will be punished as well. If they want to appeal, they will have to surrender and go to the high court,” said Shah.
The Union home minister also mentioned the establishment of eight forensic science universities, with plans to set up eight more. This initiative is expected to produce 36,000 forensic experts annually, further strengthening the criminal justice system in the country.