31st All India Criminology Conference begins

Bhopal, Jan 18 (UNI) Pointing out that there was no dearth of laws in society, Madhya Pradesh Governor Balram Jakhar today underlined the need for their proper and timely implementation.

''Irrespective of its kind, crime is an universal problem. Legal experts and criminologists should come forward so that the spiralling problem can be brought under control. Constant review of the criminal justice system is a healthy process,'' he said in a brief address while inaugurating the three-day 31st All India Criminology Conference at the National Law Institute University (NLIU) here.

Dr Jakhar conferred the 'Sarvashresht Samajik Shodhkarta Samman' on Dr Arvind Tiwari for his role in strengthening the criminal justice system. Dr Mulimani and Dr Lata Subrahmaniam were also honoured.

The country's first women Indian Police Service officer Kiran Bedi would be honoured on January 20. The governor released a NLIU souvenir.

Terrorism and the youth, the law against rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment of women, children and dalits are among several principal issues being discussed by about 500 experts from India and abroad.

The National Commission for Women, state Woman and Child Development Department, Police Research and Development Institute and the Chennai-based Indian Society of Criminology are cooperating in organising the event.

''The conference has four parallel sessions,'' Organising Secretary G S Bajpai said.

Delegates include those from the United States, South Africa, Israel, Italy and Bangladesh. A total 21 subjects would be discussed and research papers presented. Criminologists, experts on the criminal justice system, law, social science and psychology, academicians, representatives of tribunals, non-government organisations, mediapersons and students would express their views.

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