Union Home minister reviews implementation of new criminal laws in West Bengal

PRASHANT ACHARYA

SILIGURI,: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that India's three new criminal laws are set to revolutionize the country's justice delivery system by making it faster, more transparent, technology-driven and citizen-centric. He made the remarks after chairing a series of high-level review meetings at Uttarkanya in Siliguri.

During the review, Shah assessed the implementation and preparedness of the three newly enacted criminal laws in West Bengal. The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, state police, administrative officers and other concerned authorities.

According to an official statement issued after the meeting, the Home Minister emphasized that the new legal framework marks a historic shift in India's criminal justice system by ensuring greater efficiency, transparency and accountability. He said the reforms are designed to provide timely justice to citizens while making investigations and court procedures more effective through the use of modern technology.

Shah highlighted several key features of the new criminal laws, including the introduction of digital platforms such as e-Sakshya, e-Summons and i-Prison, which are expected to streamline investigations, court proceedings and prison administration. He also stressed the importance of mandatory forensic investigation in offences punishable with more than seven years of imprisonment, saying it would strengthen evidence collection and improve conviction rates.

The Home Minister further underlined the significance of the Zero FIR provision, which allows victims to register complaints at any police station regardless of where the offence occurred. He said this provision would make the justice system more accessible and responsive to the needs of the public.

Shah noted that extensive use of technology under the new criminal laws would reduce delays, enhance transparency and ensure better coordination among investigating agencies, prosecutors and courts.

Expressing confidence in the reforms, the Union Home Minister said the successful implementation of the three new criminal laws would usher in a new era of good governance and deliver speedy, transparent and citizen-friendly justice to the people of West Bengal and the country as a whole.

The review meeting forms part of the Centre's nationwide effort to monitor the implementation of the new criminal laws and ensure that states are fully prepared for their effective enforcement.