Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently held a pivotal meeting with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to review the implementation of three transformative criminal laws aimed at enhancing civil rights and facilitating the 'ease of justice.' The meeting, which took place on December 24, 2024, marked significant progress as Shah emphasized the pressing need to address technological gaps and bolster enforcement strategies across the state.
At the forefront of discussion was the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—three new laws set to replace colonial-era legal frameworks. Shah underscored the importance of these laws, stating, "The three new criminal laws have become the protectors of civil rights and the basis of ‘ease of justice’ under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." This highlights the government's commitment to modernizing the criminal justice system and making it more responsive to citizens’ needs.
The review meeting featured senior officials from various governmental departments, including the Union Home Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttarakhand. Shah pointed out the necessity of deploying more forensic mobile vans, advocating for at least one van per district, to complement investigative efforts. He stated, "More than one forensic mobile van should be available in every district of the state," indicating the importance of technology integration within law enforcement operations.
Recognizing the need for structured oversight, Shah proposed regular reviews of the implementation process, advising Dhami to conduct bi-weekly assessments. The Chief Secretary and DGP were also tasked with holding weekly meetings with their respective teams to keep the momentum going. This tight feedback loop aims to identify challenges early and adapt strategies accordingly.
One of the insights Shah shared was the classification of forensic team deployments based on case seriousness. By categorizing visits as serious, normal, and very normal, resources can be allocated more effectively, thereby ensuring efficiency during investigations. The emphasis on categorization reflects Shah's broader strategy of optimizing law enforcement resources to adapt to diverse community needs.
Further, Shah highlighted the importance of integrating technology within judicial processes. He underscored the need for high-quality video conferencing facilities, recommending the establishment of protocols to streamline these communications. He mentioned, "A protocol should be made to decide the designated place for video conferencing, and the cameras installed at all places should be of excellent quality," emphasizing the need for modern facilities to aid courtroom proceedings.
Another significant aspect of the meeting included discussions around monitoring the outcomes of Zero FIRs. Shah expressed the need for continuous tracking of these registrations, aiming to ascertain how many cases have been successfully transitioned toward justice. He stated, "Regular monitoring of how many of the total Zero FIRs registered have been brought to justice and how many FIRs have been transferred to the States" is imperative for evaluation purposes.
With Shah's directives, the vision becomes clearer: to catalyze swift and effective law enforcement practices throughout Uttarakhand. He reiterated the importance of having the state's police complete investigations within set timelines to uphold accountability and to bolster public confidence in the justice system.
This concerted effort is part of the larger initiative to modernize India's legal framework, which has seen the roll-out of these new laws effective since July 1, 2024. The laws were enacted to replace outdated provisions from the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act, which had not changed meaningfully for over a century.
Shah's meeting culminates not just as an administrative necessity but as part of a strategic shift aimed at ensuring justice is delivered efficiently and compassionately. The collaboration between state leaders and the central government reflects how policy can adapt, respond, and, most critically, improve the lives of citizens seeking justice.
