India’s System Will Operate By Justice Rather Than Punishment: Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated an exhibition on new criminal laws in Rajasthan, where he stressed that new laws will ensure timely, accessible, and simple justice as they inspire our criminal justice system to operate by justice rather than punishment.

Addressing a public gathering in Jaipur, Shah reflected that India’s judicial system has developed a reputation for delaying justice. He emphasised that the new criminal law will change that.

“Our judicial system has developed a reputation for not delivering justice in a timely manner. I’m confident in telling the people of Rajasthan that the three criminal justice laws will ensure timely, accessible, and simple justice. PM Modi has made numerous changes for ease of living. But along with the implementation of these laws, there will also be a significant change in the ease of justice,” he said.

“Through these laws, our criminal justice system will operate inspired by justice rather than punishment. This has been implemented effectively across the country, and the Ministry of Home Affairs is providing assistance and follow-up guidance to all states,” Shah said.

Highlighting the BJP’s effort to streamline the justice process, the Minister informed that any FIR filed after 2027 will be brought to justice in the Supreme Court within three years.

“The three new laws introduced by PM Narendra Modi, abolishing 160-year-old laws, will allow any FIR to be filed nationwide after 2027. It will take another two years for the entire system to be implemented. However, any FIR filed after 2027 will be brought to justice in the Supreme Court within three years, thanks to this law,” Shah said.

Amit Shah further highlighted that the conviction rate in Rajasthan has increased by 60 per cent within one year of implementing these laws.

“In Rajasthan, the conviction rate was previously only 42%. Three new laws have been implemented, and it has been just one year, yet this rate has already risen to 60%. When these are fully implemented, the conviction rate will reach up to 90%. These laws provide for all kinds of scientific methods,” he said.

The Union Home Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to boost the country’s justice system, noting the establishment of the National Forensic Science University.

“These laws provide for all kinds of scientific methods. We established the National Forensic Science University in 2020 for the smooth implementation of this law. And for this, by gradually opening affiliated colleges across the country, we are creating a new workforce of youth doing scientific work. Among these new facilities, terrorism, mob lynching, organised crime and digital crime have also been defined for the first time in our judicial system. Three new laws have also prescribed time limits at more than 29 places. It is mandatory to give updates to the victim within 90 days. A copy of the police report must be given to the victim within 14 days. The charge sheet must be filed within 60 days and 90 days. It also provides for a trial in absentia,” he said.

The Indian government has introduced new criminal laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act (BNS), 2023, the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSS), 2023, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSSS), 2023, which replace colonial-era laws.

Shah also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development works worth Rs 9,315 crore. (ANI)