The Ministry of Home Affairs provided a detailed response to questions about the new criminal laws that took effect on July 1, 2024. Congress MP in the Rajya Sabha Neeraj Dangi’s queries focused on the difficulties faced under these laws, the training provided to law enforcement, recent changes, and public awareness campaigns.
Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Minister of State for Home Affairs, acknowledged that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) have introduced complexities in their implementation. These laws, which were notified on December 25, 2023 and came into force on July 1, aim to overhaul the criminal justice system but have presented various challenges.
To address these issues, the reply said, the government has undertaken extensive training measures:
Training Modules: The Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) has developed 13 training modules for police, prison staff, prosecutors, judicial officers, forensic experts, and Central Police Organisations. These modules are part of a ‘Training of Trainers’ model executed through the Central Academy for Police Training (CAPT) in Bhopal and Central Detective Training Institutes (CDTIs) across several cities, including Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
Training Statistics: BPR&D has conducted 274 training courses, webinars, and seminars, reaching 43,150 officers and personnel. In total, states and union territories have trained 8,40,465 officials, including 8,16,146 police officers, and staff from prison, forensics, and judicial sectors.
Online Training: The iGOT-Karmayogi Bharat portal has been running three courses on the new laws since 21st February 2024. The portal reports that 2,19,829 officials have completed at least one course, and 1,72,970 have completed all three. BPR&D has also added three new courses on the portal for field practitioners.
The new laws bring several changes:
Electronic Reporting: Incidents can now be reported online, reducing the need for physical visits to police stations.
Zero FIR: Victims can file a First Information Report (FIR) at any police station, irrespective of jurisdiction, eliminating delays in initiating legal proceedings.
Free FIR Copy: Victims are entitled to a free copy of the FIR, facilitating their involvement in the legal process.
Forensic Evidence Collection: Forensic experts are required to visit crime scenes and collect evidence, with mandatory videography to prevent tampering.
Fast-Track Investigations: Cases involving crimes against women and children are prioritised for timely investigation and resolution within two months.
Medical Treatment: Victims of crimes against women and children are guaranteed free medical treatment at all hospitals.
Electronic Summons: Summons can be served electronically, expediting legal processes and reducing paperwork.
To ensure public awareness of the new laws, the government has launched several initiatives:
Press Information Bureau (PIB): Extensive publicity measures have been undertaken, including advisories, press releases, and infographics on social media platforms. PIB has also conducted Vartalap workshops in 27 state capitals, focusing on the features of the new laws.
Media Coverage: All India Radio and Doordarshan have organised news bulletins, programmes, and discussions. They have also aired explainer videos on the new laws.
MyGov Initiatives: MyGov has uploaded informative flyers, sent emailers to over 7 crore individuals, and hosted quizzes on its platform to engage citizens.
Educational Institutions: The University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have circulated informative materials to universities and colleges, resulting in activities such as seminars, workshops, and quizzes on the new laws.
Government Webinars: The Ministry of Women & Child Development, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Panchayati Raj held webinars on the new laws, reaching nearly 90 lakh grassroots functionaries.
Legal Affairs Conferences: The Department of Legal Affairs organised conferences in major cities, including New Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai, bringing together delegates from various sectors.
Police Station Awareness: On 1st July 2024, an awareness programme was conducted at all police stations across the country, featuring bilingual booklets outlining key features of the new laws.
