On July 15, the Union Home Ministry agreed to suspend provisions in newly passed criminal laws requiring evidence to be recorded via video conferencing from police stations, following protests from Delhi’s bar associations. The legal community in Delhi plans to submit a representation to the government, expressing concerns about all three criminal laws enacted this year.
The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has replaced the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act with new laws. These bring changes including a 45-day time limit for court rulings, 60-day framing of trial charges, and two-month limit for investigating offenses against women and children. Also introduced: the death penalty for specific offenses and recognition of digital records as trial evidence.
Chandigarh is revolutionizing its legal system with new criminal laws, introducing video conferencing stations for witnesses and implementing digital evidence management. The initiative aims to enhance accessibility and efficiency in legal processes, with training programs and awareness initiatives planned. This modernization reflects the city’s dedication to improving its judicial processes and forensic capabilities.
