In a bid to enhance the media’s understanding of the new criminal laws, the Guwahati Press Information Bureau, under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Assam Police organised a media workshop for mediapersons in Guwahati on Tuesday.
The workshop aimed to equip journalists with insights into the new criminal laws- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam- which will be implemented from July 1, 2024.
Gyanendra Pratap Singh, DGP, Assam graced the occasion as the chief guest. He said that the implementation of the new laws is a momentous occasion and Assam Police is prepared to implement them. Around 200 officers of the Assam police have received training on criminal forensic science.
“The officers are trained on the applicability of new laws and how they should perceive them while dealing with cases related to it. Over 500 officers will be trained over a period of few months,” Singh said.
He added that the criminal laws are updated to meet the requirements of the changing times.
Munna Prasad Gupta, ADGP, CID Assam, provided an in-depth analysis of the reforms in the criminal laws and their implications. He highlighted the changes in the three laws.
Gupta asserted that major changes have been made in criminal laws, with more focus is on rights of the victim, especially for women and children. There is an increased use of technology in the judicial system and community service has been introduced as a punishment for petty crime.
He said that the laws will focus on justice rather than punishment and are aimed at providing speedy justice. These laws will make the justice process hassle free, wherein digital evidence has come at par with physical evidence. Now, cloud storage of a video would be a primary evidence.
K Satish Nambudiripad, DG, NE Zone delivered the welcome address and talked about how the philosophy and approach in the criminal justice system has changed. The system will now be more accessible to people. He highlighted the vital role played by journalists in creating awareness among the public at large to understand and interpret events happening around.
He highlighted the rigorous consultative process undertaken by the Government with all stakeholders where the Ministry of Law and Justice also held a workshop in Guwahati for the stakeholders on May 18 and 19.
The workshop, attended by journalists from various media outlets, provided a platform for interactive sessions and clarifications on the practical applications of the new laws. Jane Namchu, Additional Director General, PIB moderated the Q&A session followed by the workshop.
Officials from I& B Ministry, Assam Police and representatives from all the prominent Media houses attended the workshop.
