Agartala, Sep 10 (NationPress) Tripura's Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on Wednesday that the introduction of three new criminal laws will significantly enhance the judicial process, fostering transparency and citizen-friendly reforms.

While inaugurating a five-day state-level exhibition dedicated to these laws at the Indoor Exhibition Hall in Agartala, the Chief Minister highlighted that citizens have already reaped substantial benefits from the implementation of these new regulations.

The trio of laws, namely Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which were enacted last year, have effectively replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, with their enforcement commencing from July 1.

CM Saha, who also oversees the Home portfolio, emphasized that timely justice is crucial; delays lead to a loss of faith in the legal framework.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these transformative laws emerged after the bills were approved in Parliament. A significant dialogue regarding these laws took place in Guwahati, attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah,” he mentioned.

The Chief Minister recounted that during the Guwahati meeting, the Union Home Minister inquired about the effective measures implemented in relation to the new criminal laws.

Claiming that Tripura is the sole state in India to organize such an exhibition on these laws, he noted that the state is pioneering in several aspects.

“Tripura consistently ranks among the top states across various parameters. Here, both officials and ordinary citizens are well-informed about key issues. Extensive efforts are being made in this regard, and our state maintains a strong reputation at the national level, receiving accolades on multiple occasions,” Saha stated.

He mentioned that this exhibition is aimed at educating the public about the specifics of the three new criminal laws.

Reforms are being implemented across all sectors, as Saha pointed out, criticizing previous administrations for not addressing colonial laws that have persisted since the British era.

“That is the mission of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The state government is actively working towards this goal. We have approved numerous deregulations in the cabinet, leading to the implementation of citizen-friendly laws,” he added.

Saha noted that the amendments in the new criminal laws have streamlined judicial processes, making them more efficient and accessible.

He highlighted that individuals can now submit reports electronically without needing to visit a police station, promoting both transparency and swift resolution of cases.

With the introduction of Zero FIR, any citizen can lodge a complaint from any location, and if someone is arrested, they have the right to inform a close acquaintance if necessary.

The role of forensic teams in investigating crimes is particularly emphasized, he remarked.

Saha further stated that the new laws prioritize cases involving women and children, mandating that investigations be completed within two months. Additionally, provisions for free medical treatment in hospitals for crime victims among women and children have been established.

Distinguished guests at the event included MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Director General of Police Anurag, Home Secretary Abhishek Singh, and other senior officials.