||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh July 2 ,2024 ||

In a landmark development, the Bishnah Police Station in Jammu District has registered the very first FIR under the recently enacted Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), signifying a significant evolution in the region’s legal framework. This pivotal case stems from a written complaint filed by Srashat Magotra, S/o Jagan Nath, a resident of Nougran Bishnah, alleging an assault by Raj Kumar, S/o Gandharwan Singh, along with two unidentified accomplices, all from the same locality.

The case has been registered under FIR No. 85/24, invoking Sections 109/115/3 BNS and 4/25 A Act, with the investigation being led by PSI Mohd Zahid. This marks a historic shift in legal proceedings in Jammu District, as all future FIRs will adhere to the BNS, while cases registered before July 1, 2024, will continue under the IPC (Indian Penal Code), CRPC (Criminal Procedure Code), and Indian Evidence Act until their respective conclusions.

This historic step underscores the region’s commitment to modernizing its legal processes and ensuring a streamlined approach to justice. The enactment and implementation of the BNS reflect the proactive measures taken by law enforcement to adapt to the new legal framework effectively.

On July 1, 2024, India officially overhauled its archaic British-era criminal statutes by replacing them with three new laws designed to expedite judicial processes, enhance victim rights, and advance investigative methods. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 comprehensively replace the outdated Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act, ushering in a new era of legal clarity and efficiency.

Key highlights of these new laws include the ability to file a Zero FIR at any police station, online registration of police complaints, electronic serving of summons, and mandatory videography of crime scenes for all heinous crimes. These measures aim to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility within the criminal justice system.

The Union Home Ministry has undertaken extensive training programs for over 40 lakh grassroots functionaries to ensure widespread awareness and effective implementation of the new laws, with a particular emphasis on their impact on women and children. Additionally, more than 5.65 lakh police, prison, forensic, judicial, and prosecution officials have received specialized training on the new legal provisions through 250 courses, webinars, and seminars organized by the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D).

The new laws adopt a victim-centric approach, providing victims with a free copy of the FIR and the right to inform a chosen person of their situation upon arrest, ensuring immediate support and transparency in legal proceedings. Enhanced forensic procedures mandate forensic experts to visit crime scenes for serious offenses and collect evidence, which will be videographed to prevent tampering, thus bolstering the reliability and fairness of criminal investigations.

Crimes against women and children will be prioritized, with investigations required to conclude within two months of information recording. Victims will also receive regular updates on case progress within 90 days, ensuring transparency and accountability. The new laws also expand definitions to include transgender individuals, promote gender inclusivity, and introduce streamlined court procedures for efficient legal proceedings, reflecting India’s commitment to upholding human rights and equality before the law.

To coincide with the rollout, police stations nationwide will host awareness events involving diverse stakeholders such as women, youth, students, senior citizens, and local committees. These events aim to educate the public about the key features and benefits of the new criminal laws. Additionally, higher education institutions under bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have organized day-long activities on July 1, including group discussions, workshops, and seminars focusing on various provisions of the new laws, fostering widespread understanding among students and faculties.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police’s commitment to implementing these newly created laws demonstrates their accountability and dedication to duty. ADGP Jammu, Anand Jain, has been actively involved in various meetings and workshops organized by police officials and civil society members to educate and raise awareness among the public about the new laws and regulations, ensuring a smooth transition and fostering a well-informed community. This proactive engagement with the community is crucial for the successful adoption and implementation of the BNS, highlighting the collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the public to uphold justice and legal integrity in the region.