Union Minister Amit Shah clarified that the first case under the new criminal laws was a motorcycle theft in Gwalior, not against a street vendor in Delhi. The theft, worth Rs. 1,80,000, was recorded at 12:10 am on July 1.
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DELHI: Monday(on 1st July), Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah clarified that the first case registered under the new criminal laws was a theft of a motorcycle worth Rs. 1,80,000 in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The case was recorded at approximately 12:10 am on July 1. Contrary to media reports suggesting that the first case was filed in Delhi against a street vendor, Shah emphasized the correct details during a press conference.
Amit Shah detailed the extensive preparations undertaken to implement the new laws effectively.
“There are approximately 12,000 master trainers prepared to train the police force.”
-Shah stated.
In total, there are about 23,000 master trainers involved in this initiative. Additionally, he highlighted that 4,000 forensic workers, 6 lakh police officials, 4,000 prosecutors, 20,000 officials in the judiciary, and 10,868 prison officials have received training on the new laws.
The Home Minister provided insights into the legislative process and the participation of the opposition. He noted that the new laws were discussed for over nine hours in the Lok Sabha and more than six hours in the Rajya Sabha. Addressing concerns about the passing of the bills during the expulsion of certain opposition members, Shah explained that the bills were listed before the Business Advisory Committee of the Parliament well in advance.
He mentioned-
“A few days before the bills were passed, opposition parties began boycotting proceedings, indicating disinterest in participating in the discussions.”
Amit Shah emphasized the extensive consultations that preceded the drafting of the new laws.
He said-
“In 2020, feedback on the proposed laws was solicited via letters sent to Members of Parliament, Chief Ministers, Supreme Court Judges, Chief Justices of High Courts, IPS officers, and District Collectors.”
These inputs were thoroughly considered in 158 meetings chaired by Shah himself, in addition to meetings chaired by other officials of the Ministry.
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The bill underwent rigorous scrutiny by the committee of the Home Ministry and was discussed for around three months. Shah highlighted that parliamentarians from all parties participated in the discussions, ensuring a comprehensive review process.
In a historic move, Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of India’s criminal justice system, marking a significant shift from the colonial-era laws that have governed the country for over 75 years since independence. At a press conference, Shah emphasized the indigenous nature of the new laws, which are designed to ensure timely and effective justice.
At the beginning of the press conference, Amit Shah said-
“Today marks a historic moment for our nation’s criminal justice system. After nearly 77 years of independence, we are transitioning to a fully indigenous system, rooted in Indian ethos and designed to meet our current requirements.”
He highlighted that the new laws will create the most modern justice system in the world. He also said that they have not only adopted technology but have provided for whatever technological advancement is likely to happen in technology in the next 50 years.
Shah further elaborated on the technological advancements, stating that the process of computerization has already been completed and 99.9% of the police stations have been computerized to generate e-records. He emphasized that the FIR, e-FIR, Zero FIR, chargesheets, and responses will all be digital, ensuring a streamlined and efficient process.
Shah emphasized that these new laws are designed to ensure timely and effective justice. He has said that considering the limitations and provisions in the new acts, from the registration of the FIR to the appeal to the Supreme Court, the time would not take more than three years.
“Replacing outdated British-era laws, our new legislation crafted by the Indian Parliament ensures justice prevails over vengeance, expeditious trials over delays, and protection of both victims’ and accused persons’ rights.”
– he said.
He also highlighted the creation of fast-track courts and the implementation of speedy trials under the new criminal laws. He said the judicial courts will work and function in all languages given under the Eight Schedule of the Constitution. He further said that the victims will get the progress report of the cases automatically within 90 days. He also said that in all the cases with a punishment of more than seven years of imprisonment, a mandatory forensic team visit will be done.
To ensure a smooth transition to the new system, Shah assured that they have trained officers in the subordinate judiciary, police officers, master trainers, forensic officers, and public prosecutors. The Public prosecutors have also been provided with a comparative analysis chart of the new and the old laws. Around 51,224 workers, 4,000 forensic workers, 6 lakh police officials, 4,000 in prosecution, 20,000 officials in the judiciary, and 10,868 officials in prison have been trained for the easy implementation of the new laws.
Shah emphasized the prioritization of women’s and children’s safety, combating mob lynching, abolishing colonial sedition laws, and a victim-centric approach. He concluded by urging all political parties to rise above partisan politics and support the new laws for the greater good of the nation.
“This reform is pivotal for ensuring timely justice and upholding our Constitution’s spirit. I urge everyone to cooperate and enable these laws to effectively serve the public.”
-he said.
He also addressed the misinformation being spread about the police remand period under the new laws.
Shah clarified-
“Misinformation claims that the police remand period has been extended under the new laws, while it remains 15 days, divisible into one or two parts within a 60-day period.”
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Shah reiterated the significance of these reforms, saying-
“The reforms aim to ensure welfare across all sections of society and meet current needs.”
He also referred to these laws as “Azaad Bharat Ke Kanoon,” underscoring the shift from colonial governance to laws rooted in Indian ethos.
He also emphasized the importance of political unity in implementing these laws, stating-
“According to records, there has never been such a prolonged enactment process for any law since independence. These laws were deliberated for four years. I remain open to feedback even now, but let us ensure this law serves the people.”
Shah called for political support, urging-
“Set aside politics and endorse this law.”
Amit Shah underscored the extensive discussions and efforts behind these reforms, stating-
“Based on records, I can confidently state that since independence, no law has undergone such an extensive enactment process. The discussions spanned four years. I remain open to feedback on the law, but my priority is to ensure it benefits the people.”