Bhubaneswar: In a progressive step towards reforming Odisha’s legal landscape, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the commencement of an initiative to repeal outdated, inactive, and irrelevant laws in the state. Addressing a sensitization program on the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Center, the Chief Minister underscored the state’s commitment to legal modernization.
The event, organized to foster awareness of the BNSS and BNS, saw a diverse audience, including civil society organizations, activists, law students, and representatives from various community sectors. The program aimed to enhance individual and societal understanding of these new legal codes, which prioritize a victim-centric approach and seek to simplify judicial procedures.
Reflecting on India’s legal legacy, Chief Minister Majhi remarked, “India is often perceived as a country with many laws but limited enforcement. While we have numerous laws, many are outdated and no longer relevant.” Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s drive for legal reform, which has repealed over 1,550 irrelevant laws in the last decade, Majhi noted that Odisha has begun a similar process to ensure that the state’s legal framework remains relevant and effective.
The Chief Minister highlighted the need for modernized legal frameworks that address contemporary issues more efficiently. “Our judicial system has relied on codes established during British rule in 1860, which are now inadequate for a diverse and rapidly evolving society like India. The new BNSS and BNS represent a timely and necessary change, and they will come into effect on July 1,” he announced.
Key Features of the New Legal Codes
The BNSS and BNS emphasize the protection of fundamental rights, streamline police procedures, and introduce new provisions for victim assistance. Notable changes include:
- Victim-Centric Approach: Moving from a criminal-centric to a victim-centric focus, the new codes aim to deliver swift, transparent, and fair justice.
- Ease of Complaint Registration: A “Zero FIR” system allows electronic registration of complaints from any location.
- Inclusive Reporting: Statements from vulnerable groups, including minors, senior citizens, and people with disabilities, can now be recorded outside police stations.
- Community Service Options: For minor offenses, community service has been introduced as an alternative to jail time, reducing prison overcrowding and aiding the rehabilitation of youth involved in non-severe crimes.
The Chief Minister also addressed pressing issues in law enforcement and judicial efficacy, particularly in cases of violence against women. Citing data from the National Crime Records Bureau, he expressed concern over Odisha’s low conviction rate of 9.3% in such cases. “This is unacceptable, especially when compared to states like Uttar Pradesh, where the conviction rate is 70.8% and case disposal rate exceeds 98%,” he stated, urging stronger investigation and political will.
Minister of Works, Law, and Excise, Prithviraj Harichandan, emphasized the importance of simplifying laws for public understanding and making justice accessible. “The rule of law only becomes effective when it’s understandable to the common man. Village courts in Odisha are a step in this direction, helping resolve conflicts through community mediation,” he said.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja echoed this, stressing the importance of spreading legal awareness at the grassroots level to ensure justice reaches all. He shared examples of recent cases that have seen quicker resolution under the new framework, noting that these reforms will help redefine the country’s judicial landscape.
Prominent RTI activist Jagdanand hailed the event as a historic step towards people-oriented law, advocating for translations of these laws into Odia and tribal languages to ensure inclusivity.
With these reforms, Odisha aims to enhance legal transparency and responsiveness, promoting a fairer, more accessible judicial system for all its citizens.
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