Delhi Police Organises Awareness Sessions at Over 100 Stations on New Criminal Laws

As the three new criminal laws took effect, Delhi Police held awareness sessions at over 100 police stations across the city to educate the public, officials stated on Monday. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replaced the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

Kamlesh Kumar, a resident of Nangloi in Outer district, mentioned that he learned about an awareness session aimed at educating locals on the new laws. "I visited Mundka police station and learned about the new laws," Kumar said. Similar sessions were conducted at various other police stations including Nangloi, Ranhola, Nihal Vihar, Paschim Vihar East, Paschim Vihar West, Sultan Puri, Raj Park, Mangol Puri, and Rani Bagh.

Training and Preparedness

Deputy Commissioner of Police Outer Jimmy Chiram emphasised the importance of citizens being informed about these changes. "Understanding of the rights and the new procedures will help people navigate the justice system more effectively and contribute to a safer, more just society," Chiram said.

Ram Sundar Singh, a professor at a private college in Delhi, highlighted the significance of such sessions for understanding the new laws. Meanwhile, equipped with a mobile app and extensive training before the implementation of the new criminal laws, Delhi Police staff across stations faced no issues registering FIRs under BNS provisions on Monday.

A senior police officer from North district confirmed that no challenges were reported while registering FIRs. Another officer from Outer district added that all staffers are fully prepared and trained. "Not even a single problem was reported today. All the officials are well trained," said the officer.

Public Engagement

People visiting different police stations to file complaints were seen discussing the new laws with police officers. Senior police officers also held meetings with SHOs in their jurisdictions to ensure smooth operations under the new system.

"Our officials are well trained and they are even making people understand about the new laws when they visit police stations to file complaints. So far no problem was reported from any police station," a senior officer from Southwest district said.

An official from East district mentioned that exhaustive training had been provided to all units of Delhi Police for effective implementation of the new laws. Training materials on the three new laws were distributed to all personnel along with a comparative chart of old IPC and new BNS provisions.

Implementation Strategy

In January this year, a 14-member committee was formed to study the new laws and prepare study materials for police personnel. The committee was led by Special Commissioner of Police Chhaya Sharma and included DCP Joy Tirkey, Additional DCP Uma Shankar, and other officers.

The investigative officers will capture pictures and record crime scenes using their mobile phone cameras and upload them on the e-Praman application, officials said.

The Delhi Police's proactive approach in training its staff ensured a seamless transition to the new criminal laws. This initiative aims to make citizens more aware of their rights and improve their interaction with law enforcement agencies.