Lucknow, June 7 (UNI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday directed to ensure amendments in Acts, rules, and SOPs related to Uttar Pradesh before the new criminal justice system is implemented in the country from July 1.
The CM held a meeting on Friday to review the preparations for the implementation of the new criminal justice system.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi took ‘panch pran’ in front of the country on the occasion of Independence Day, one of which was a vow to ‘end all signs of slavery’. “To fulfill this vow, Parliament has passed three new laws, replacing the Indian Penal Code of 1860, the Criminal Procedure Code (1898), 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, which were forced by the British. These new laws will be implemented nationwide, including UP, starting from July 1,” he said.
Yogi said that according to the new system, the Indian Penal Code of 1860 will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, of 2023. “The Criminal Procedure Code, 1898 will now be replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and the Indian Evidence Act 1872 will be replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. These three new indigenous laws aim to fulfill the Prime Minister’s vow,” he said.
He said the abolished laws were originally designed to strengthen and protect British rule, focusing on punishment rather than justice, whereas Indian democracy is founded on the concept of justice.
He said, “Reflecting Indian values, the three new laws passed by Parliament will bring significant changes to our criminal justice system.”
The CM said that before implementing the new laws, ensure that amendments to related state-level Acts, rules, SOPs, and government orders are completed.
He said that technology plays a crucial role in the new laws, encompassing data analytics, evidence collection, e-courts, and document digitisation. “Necessary technical updates should be made promptly,” he said.
Yogi asked to take the help of the Forensic Institute, Lucknow. “Availability of every necessary resource should be ensured in all forensic laboratories established at the range level. Establish forensic labs in all 75 districts, with video conferencing facilities in each district for court appearances. Keep this work on top priority. Prioritise this work and prepare a proposal, full support will be provided from the government level. Deploy forensic experts and report any needs immediately for prompt assistance,” he said.
He said to facilitate the smooth implementation of the new laws and achieve their objectives, it is essential to widely publicize the three new laws. “Proper training should be provided to constables, sub-inspectors, inspectors, prosecutors and jail staff. This work can be done easily by preparing master trainers. A kit of related materials would be beneficial. Additionally, the general public should be made aware of the new provisions and changes,” he said.
