Nityanand Rai Highlights Shift to Justice-Driven Legal Framework in New Criminal Laws

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, highlighted a shift in India's legal framework from punishment to justice. This change marks one year since the new criminal laws were implemented. An exhibition titled "A Golden Year of Trust in the Justice System" was held at Bharat Mandapam to celebrate this milestone.

Rai praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their leadership. He noted that the new system ensures swift, fair, and transparent justice through technological innovations. Special timelines have been set for crimes against women and children, with provisions to frame charges within 60 days and complete hearings within 45 days in grievous cases.

Focus on Justice and Transparency

The minister stressed that the new laws aim to deliver justice rather than just punishment. These laws were designed to instil public trust, eliminate corruption, and implement a time-bound and tech-enabled justice system. Rai described this transformation as not just a legal reform but a movement to foster societal trust and ensure safety.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also attended the event. She remarked that India had long been burdened by colonial-era laws dating back to 1856. These laws were based on a mindset that treated Indians as subordinates, focusing on punishment rather than justice.

Addressing Colonial-Era Laws

Gupta criticised previous governments for not questioning the relevance of these outdated laws for an independent India. She argued that legislative amendments were often made for political gain, to preserve power and strengthen vote banks, rather than serving the people.

The exhibition was organised by the Delhi government's Home Department. Its aim was to raise public awareness about three new criminal laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). These laws came into effect on July 1 last year.

This legal transformation has also broadened legal education and capacity across India. The focus is on creating a justice-driven system that fosters societal trust and ensures safety for all citizens.

With inputs from PTI