LG Manoj Sinha: New Criminal Laws Usher In Victim-Centric Justice & Zero Tolerance for Terrorism

LG Manoj Sinha: New Criminal Laws Usher In Victim-Centric Justice & Zero Tolerance for Terrorism I am happy that the Crime Branch Kashmir has organized an important exhibition today to raise awareness and educate students and intellectuals, civil society and the public about the reforms made in the Indian criminal justice system, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha said in his address at the Police Public School, Srinagar. On July 1 in 2024, three new criminal laws, the Indian Justice Code, the Indian Civil Security Code and the Indian Security Act, came into force across the country. These could be given the shape of law after long discussions with different stakeholders for more than four years. Arrangements for the protection of the weaker sections of the society have been made on a priority basis, LG said. These three laws have completely transformed our justice system. And an attempt has been made to make it victim-centric, providing justice instead of punishment. The creation of these three new criminal laws began in 2019 when the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, ordered a review of all the laws made by the British. I think no criminal law has ever been discussed so extensively and in such detail between 1947 and 2024. Special care was taken to ensure that the weaker sections get priority solutions through the new system. All students, civil society members and parents will have to go to the public and tell us that in these laws, first priority has been given to crimes against women and children. New provisions and new sections were added to these laws according to the changing times. Speedy trial and speedy justice has been ensured. And it has also been ensured that justice reaches the last person without any delay. It is said in our scriptures that justice is the most fundamental principle of administration of a state. And in this spirit, timelines have also been set for completing all legal responses. And arrangements have also been made to ensure that justice is delivered in any case within three years from the time of re-registration in the Supreme Court. I believe that through these three laws the country has adopted a new vision. This vision is based on the collective aspiration for a society where justice is accessible to all, where the rule of law prevails, and where the human dignity of every individual is upheld. These three new criminal laws completely repeal the sedition law enacted by the British. Forensic investigation has also been made mandatory for crimes of seven years and above. At the time of rollout of these laws, efforts have been made to fully implement the existing requirements. I had mentioned in a meeting in January to increase public awareness about new criminal laws. To increase public awareness about the new criminal laws, we should continuously organize public awareness camps in collaboration with Jammu Kashmir Police, Education Department, Information Department, and Legal Services Authority. I am happy that today Crime Branch Kashmir has organised this exhibition to create awareness among the public. I hope that in the coming days Crime Branch Jammu can organize such events at the district level also. I would like to draw your attention towards an important issue due to which Jammu and Kashmir was in darkness for three decades and that is terrorism. For the first time after independence, the Indian Judicial Code has defined terrorism in the criminal justice system and defines it as an act intended to threaten the integrity and security of the country, to intimidate the general public, or to disrupt public order. The act which can disturb peace at the local level and has also been classified as terrorism. I believe that this will further strengthen the resolve of zero tolerance against terrorism and will give new impetus to the campaign for its complete eradication. I would like to appeal to Jammu Kashmir Police and various stakeholders to dedicate themselves to a fair, transparent and just justice system as per the faith of the people. And a more just system and Rule of Law should be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir, said the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.