The meeting was attended by Delhi Home Minister Kailash Gahlot, while Law Minister Atishi was absent due to a family medical emergency. During the session, LG Saxena directed officials to establish clear timelines for ongoing projects associated with the new laws.
NEW DELHI: Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recently chaired a review meeting on the implementation of three new criminal laws in the national capital, emphasizing the need for a coordinated and efficient approach to ensure justice and transparency across various departments.
READ ALSO: DMK Leader R.S. Bharathi Challenges Three New Criminal Laws in Madras High Court
The meeting was attended by Delhi Home Minister Kailash Gahlot, while Law Minister Atishi was absent due to a family medical emergency. During the session, LG Saxena directed officials to establish clear timelines for ongoing projects associated with the new laws.
Key discussions included the training of health department nodal officers for the MedLEaPR portal, a web-based system designed to capture Medico-Legal Reports (MLR) and Post-Mortem Reports (PMR) for the Directorate of Health Services in Delhi.
All central Government hospitals in Delhi are now integrated with the portal, with 186 Delhi government doctors and 32 central government doctors registered, and a total of 81 reports generated.
Other topics covered in the meeting included the procurement of mobile forensic vans, the establishment of video conferencing infrastructure in all 691 courts across Delhi, and the recruitment of 165 junior scientific assistants for crime scene investigations, with a target completion date set for September 21.
Additionally, the meeting addressed recruitment rules for vacant positions in the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the Directorate of Prosecutions, as well as plans for a new building for the Directorate.
READ ALSO: Courts in Delhi Set for Transformation with Three New Criminal Laws Effective From July 1
The three new legislations—Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—which replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act, have been in force since July 1.
These laws introduce several noteworthy changes:
- Trials Through Video Conferencing: The laws will facilitate trials in the absence of the accused, using video conferencing technology. This measure aims to streamline judicial processes and address logistical challenges.
- New Offences: Additional offences such as ‘beggary’ and ‘mob lynching’ are now codified, reflecting contemporary societal issues.
- Extended Police Custody: The maximum duration for police custody has been extended to 60 days, providing law enforcement with more time for investigation in complex cases.
- Community Service: For six specified petty offences, community service will be introduced as a form of punishment, emphasizing rehabilitation over incarceration.
In preparation for these sweeping changes, many lawyers, public prosecutors, and judicial officers are dedicating their summer break to studying the new laws. At various court complexes, QR codes printed on A4 sheets are readily available for lawyers to scan and access comprehensive reading material about the new legislation. This initiative aims to ensure that legal professionals are well-versed in the nuances of the updated legal framework.
To facilitate a smooth transition, the Delhi Judicial Academy, in collaboration with the Delhi Bar Association, organized a five-day orientation program at the Tis Hazari Courts in May.
New offences have also been introduced, such as “beggary” under section 143 of the BNS, “mob lynching”, “hate crimes”, and “sexual intercourse by deceitful means”. Additionally, “petty organised crimes” like snatching have been included, reflecting the evolving nature of criminal activities.
Judicial officers are also receiving extensive training to ensure a smooth transition to the new legal framework. Justice Mukta Gupta and Senior Advocate Mohit Mathur have been instrumental in this effort, providing training sessions at the Delhi Judicial Academy in Dwarka. The academy has also organized online evening sessions for various public prosecutors, held via Webex from May 21 to May 29. These sessions aim to ensure that all legal practitioners are well-versed in the updated laws and procedures.
