The Hindu: Published on 09th Nov 2024:
Why in News?
Chandigarh has become the first Union Territory (UT) or State in India to fully implement the three new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This achievement includes infrastructural advancements such as upgraded Internet speed at police stations, distribution of new tablets to investigators, and the introduction of videoconferencing facilities to ensure speedy trials.
Criminal Justice Reforms:
The new laws BNS, BSA, and BNSS replace colonial-era laws, aiming for a modern and digitized justice system.
To link police, forensics, and judiciary, Chandigarh has focused on:
- Upgrading police station infrastructure.
- Introducing mandatory audio-visual recording of crime scenes and search-and-seizure processes.
- Digitized evidence storage using DigiLocker.
- Time-bound investigations and trials are now part of the legal mandate, streamlining justice delivery.
Enforcing Criminal Laws:
Chandigarh Police registered 1,179 FIRs and 245 chargesheets under the new laws since their rollout on July 1, 2023.
Zero FIRs:
14 Zero FIRs have been filed, especially focusing on sexual offences against women.
Zero FIRs allow victims to file complaints irrespective of jurisdiction.
Technology Adoption
Facial recognition software “Chitra Khoji” is used to identify suspects.
Tablets provided to investigators for seamless evidence collection and recording.
Mandatory time-stamped audiovisual recordings are uploaded securely on DigiLocker.
Conviction Rate:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted an improvement in conviction rates under the new laws, rising from 58% to approximately 85%
Across India:
11 lakh FIRs have been filed under the new laws.
Judgments have been delivered in 9,500 cases.
Chandigarh secured convictions in four cases so far under the new legal framework.
Digitising Courts:
Chandigarh has prioritized digitizing its judiciary to expedite trials:
2 courts are fully online, and efforts are underway to digitize 30 more courts.
Videoconferencing for court proceedings ensures resource savings and security.
Facilities for online deposition:
80 videoconferencing spots have been set up, including in hospitals, forensic stations, and courts.
5 additional spots are being prepared at sub-divisional magistrate offices for private witnesses.
Example: In sensitive cases involving alleged gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, court proceedings are conducted exclusively via videoconference.
Conclusion:
Chandigarh’s proactive implementation of the new criminal laws, backed by digitization, advanced technology, and improved infrastructure, sets an example for the rest of the country. These reforms aim to modernize India's criminal justice system by increasing efficiency, transparency, and conviction rates while protecting victims' rights and ensuring speedy justice.
