Chandigarh, December 9:
On December 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed three transformative criminal laws during a ceremony held at Punjab Engineering College (PEC) in Chandigarh. These laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Indian Penal Code), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (Indian Criminal Procedure Code), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (Indian Evidence Act)—were successfully implemented and dedicated to the nation.
The Chandigarh Administration has effectively enforced these laws, which make it impossible to tamper with evidence at police stations or crime scenes. It is no longer feasible to substitute drugs with grass or liquor with other liquids. Additionally, the underreporting of seized goods or quantities will now be eliminated.
To ensure transparency, all activities, from the site of seizure to the police station’s storage and forensic labs, will be recorded on video. Access to these records will be restricted to authorized personnel, ensuring the security of seized items. Each seized item will be tagged with a QR code, and the name and belt number of the officer depositing the item will be digitally recorded and verified. These activities, from the crime scene to the police station, will be monitored in real-time using the “Nyay Setu” app.
Chandigarh Police DGP S.S. Yadav revealed that since these laws were enforced on July 1, a total of 1,179 FIRs have been registered. Additionally, charge sheets have been filed in 245 cases, and convictions secured in 4 cases. Previously, allegations or possibilities of evidence tampering were common. However, with mandatory videography and digital recording of seized goods, these concerns have been resolved.
The QR-coded tracking of seized materials continues even when items are sent to forensic labs. Earlier, there were frequent allegations against the police regarding alteration or substitution of seized goods, such as replacing one substance with another or reducing the quantity. Now, every step of the investigation is digitally monitored, with oversight at multiple levels to ensure these issues are eradicated.
Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur showcased the practical implementation of these laws during an exhibition. She explained how crime scene investigations are conducted under this new framework. These laws are inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision to replace outdated colonial-era legislations with justice-focused reforms. The initiative is driven by the theme, “Safe Society, Developed India – From Punishment to Justice.”
The new laws also introduce provisions for zero FIRs, with online transmission enabled through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS). To overcome language barriers and facilitate prompt action across states, the “Bhashini” app has been developed, offering translations in 22 Indian languages.
Statements from victims and witnesses will now be recorded via video. Furthermore, crimes involving women and children must be resolved within two months of receiving the complaint. The exhibition provided a comprehensive demonstration of the new legal framework, covering the processes from investigation to justice delivery. This marks the first time that the implementation of laws has been publicly showcased, emphasizing the focus on transparency and efficiency in the criminal justice system.
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