Chandigarh: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, today inaugurated a series of innovative apps – e-Sakshya, Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti, and e-Summon – aimed at bolstering the implementation of three new criminal laws in Chandigarh. The event saw the presence of Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, and the Union Home Secretary among other dignitaries.
In his address, Amit Shah highlighted the historic significance of these reforms, calling them the most significant legal overhaul of the 21st century. The three new laws – Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) – were crafted to reflect India’s ethos and values, moving away from the outdated laws established in 1860. Shah emphasized that the new laws aim to deliver justice more effectively, shedding the legacy of colonial-era penal codes.
Shah explained that the introduction of these laws is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of removing vestiges of colonial rule. The new laws prioritize justice over punishment and are designed to be more people-centric.
The Union Home Minister underscored the modernization efforts accompanying these legal reforms. He mentioned that the Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated extensive training programs and established forensic science universities to support the new legal framework. With mandatory forensic team visits for serious offenses and the appointment of Directors of Prosecution, the new system aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the criminal justice process.
The newly launched apps are pivotal to this modernization:
- e-Sakshya: Stores all videography, photography, and testimonies on an e-evidence server, making them immediately accessible in courts.
- e-Summon: Sends electronic summons from the court to the police and the concerned individuals.
- Nyaya Setu: Interlinks police, medical, forensic, prosecution, and prisons, providing comprehensive investigation-related information through a centralized dashboard.
- Nyaya Shruti: Facilitates witness testimonies via video conferencing, reducing time and cost and expediting case resolutions.
Shah praised the technological advancements in Chandigarh, noting the deployment of IT specialists, data analysts, and new tech infrastructure across police stations. He expressed confidence that Chandigarh would become the first administrative unit in India to achieve 100% implementation of the new criminal laws.
Emphasizing the citizen-centric nature of the reforms, Shah called on the public to engage actively and constructively, dispelling any misconceptions and supporting the successful implementation of these laws. He also highlighted the government’s ongoing campaign against drug addiction, underscoring the collective effort required to tackle this issue.
