Manish Shukla
New Delhi: In a landmark move aimed at revolutionizing India’s criminal justice system, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah announced the implementation of three new victim-centric and justice-oriented laws across the country. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Minister Shah emphasized that these laws mark a significant departure from punitive measures to a focus on ensuring justice, speedy trials, and protecting victims’ rights.
Extensive Stakeholder Consultation
Home Minister Shah highlighted that the development of these laws involved rigorous consultation over a span of four years with various stakeholders. He emphasized that no other laws in Independent India have undergone such thorough deliberation, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive reform.
Prioritizing Women and Children’s Safety
Central to the new legislation is the prioritization of crimes against women and children. A new chapter dedicated to these vulnerable groups includes 35 sections and 13 provisions, aimed at enhancing sensitivity and responsiveness in handling such cases.
Embracing Technological Advancements
The laws integrate cutting-edge technology to streamline processes and ensure adaptability for future advancements. Minister Shah underscored that provisions have been made to incorporate emerging technologies over the next five decades, ensuring that India’s justice system remains at the forefront globally.
Ensuring Linguistic Accessibility
In a move towards linguistic inclusivity, the laws will be available in all eight scheduled languages of the Constitution. Court proceedings will also be conducted in these languages, enhancing accessibility and transparency.
Forensic Mandates and Training Initiatives
Forensic investigation has been made mandatory for offenses punishable by seven years or more, aiming to accelerate justice delivery and increase conviction rates to 90%. The government has invested in training over 23,000 master trainers and additional manpower across law enforcement and judicial sectors to effectively implement these provisions.
Abolishing Outdated Provisions
Minister Shah reiterated that archaic provisions, such as the colonial-era sedition law, have been repealed. New sections have been added to address contemporary challenges while removing contentious clauses that hindered justice.
Legislative Process and Public Engagement
The legislative journey of these laws included extensive debates in both houses of Parliament, ensuring robust scrutiny and democratic participation. Minister Shah dispelled misinformation, clarifying that discussions were open and inclusive, with ample opportunities for all members to contribute.
Vision for Future Implementation
Looking forward, Minister Shah expressed confidence that these laws will transform India’s judicial landscape into one of the most advanced globally. He affirmed the government’s commitment to ending prolonged judicial processes, ensuring that justice up to the Supreme Court can be delivered within three years of filing an FIR.