A New Epoch for Indian Justice: Exhibition on New Criminal Laws Inaugurated in Rajasthan
In a significant step towards modernizing India's criminal justice system, Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated and reviewed an exhibition on the new criminal laws in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The event, held at the JECC Sitapura under the program ‘Nav Vidhan – Nyay ki Nai Pehchaan’ (New Statutes – A New Identity of Justice), marks a pivotal moment in the nation's legal history.
This exhibition is not merely a display of legal texts; it is a public-facing portal into the future of Indian jurisprudence. It focuses on the three groundbreaking acts set to replace British-era laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). Decoding the Legal Overhaul The core of this transformation lies in its philosophical shift. As emphasized by Shri Amit Shah, the new laws prioritize "Justice over Punishment." They are designed to be more victim-centric, incorporate modern technology in legal processes, and ensure swift justice, moving away from the archaic and often slow procedures of the past. Key highlights of the new framework include:
Defining terrorism and organized crime for the first time in a comprehensive manner. Mandating video recording of searches and seizures. Prescribing timelines for filing chargesheets and delivering judgments. The "Double-Engine" Government and a Policy of Zero Tolerance This initiative is a testament to the relentless drive of the BJP's "double-engine" government—a term referring to the same party being in power at both the central and state levels. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the leadership of Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, and the stewardship of Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma, the government is firmly advancing its policy of Zero Tolerance against crime and corruption. The exhibition serves as a crucial tool in this mission, aiming to educate both law enforcement agencies and the general public about their new rights and responsibilities. A Concluding Thought The inauguration of this exhibition in Jaipur is a powerful symbol of India's stride towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in its legal architecture. It represents a conscious break from a colonial past and the dawn of a system built for, and by, the people of a new India. As these laws prepare to take effect, such initiatives ensure that the transition is not just on paper, but also in the public consciousness. This is more than a legal reform; it's the beginning of a new social contract for justice.
