Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of new criminal laws in India, which replace outdated British-era legislation, during an event in Chandigarh. The laws aim to modernize the justice system, ensuring transparency and adaptability to contemporary challenges. Modi praised the judiciary’s collaborative efforts and emphasized the laws’ role in upholding constitutional values and addressing modern crime effectively.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasized the significance of the new criminal laws, describing them as a “concrete step towards fulfilling the ideals that our Constitution has imagined for the citizens of our country.” Addressing an event in Chandigarh to commemorate their successful implementation, PM Modi underscored how these reforms modernize India’s legal system and align it with contemporary needs.
The three new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act. Coming into effect on July 1, these laws aim to ensure transparency, efficiency, and adaptability in India’s justice system.
PM Modi highlighted the extensive groundwork that preceded this overhaul:
“In the seven decades after independence, the challenges faced by our judicial system were studied and thought upon. Behavioural aspects of all the laws were analysed. I thank the Supreme Court, judges, and High Courts – especially of Punjab and Haryana,”
he said.
Recognizing the collective efforts behind these reforms, the Prime Minister praised the judiciary and legal community for their contributions. “I thank the Bar (association) who have taken the ownership of Nyay Sanhita,” he said, underscoring the collaborative spirit that brought these changes to fruition.
The Prime Minister also drew inspiration from Chandigarh’s identity, linked to Maa Chandi, a powerful symbol of justice and truth. “This spirit is the foundation of Indian justice, civil security, and the pure form of our Constitution,” he added.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi witnessed a live demonstration of crime scene investigation under the new laws at Punjab Engineering College. Chandigarh Police showcased the practical application of these reforms, simulating evidence collection and statement recording. The Prime Minister was briefed on the process by Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, and other officials accompanied Modi at the event.
According to an official statement, the new criminal laws introduce frameworks to tackle modern challenges like cybercrime and organized crime, ensuring justice for victims in today’s evolving society.
“At a time when the country is moving forward with the resolve of a united India, and as we celebrate 75 years of the Constitution, the implementation of Indian justice inspired by the spirit of the Constitution marks a significant beginning,”
the Prime Minister said.
The implementation of these laws signifies a turning point in India’s legal history, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to its constitutional values. PM Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to all citizens, saying,
“On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all citizens on the implementation of the ‘Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’ and ‘Nagarik Sanhita.’ I also congratulate everyone associated with the Chandigarh administration.”
These landmark reforms demonstrate India’s determination to build a legal system that is not only robust and fair but also capable of addressing the demands of a rapidly changing world. With these steps, India moves closer to realizing the ideals envisioned by its Constitution, ensuring justice for all in a modern and transparent framework.
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