RAJOURI: The District Administration Rajouri, in collaboration with the Police Department, organized a daylong awareness program today at the Conference Hall of the PWD Dak Bungalow to educate the public about the three newly enacted criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). These laws, which came into effect on July 1, 2024, replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act (IEA).
The program aimed to generate awareness among the masses regarding these transformative laws and their role in modernizing the criminal justice system.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, emphasized the need for public awareness about these legal reforms, highlighting their significance in ensuring justice and transparency. He encouraged participants, especially students, to read and understand these laws and help spread awareness in society.
DIG Rajouri-Poonch, Tejinder Singh, underscored the importance of technology-driven reforms in the new laws. He pointed out key provisions, such as the requirement for Investigating Officers (IOs) to visit crime scenes and upload findings to a central server, mandatory videography of statements, and the introduction of community service as a punishment for first-time offenders in cases of petty offenses.
Dy SP Satish Sharma also shared his insights on the new legal framework, elaborating on its victim-centric approach and enhanced provisions for evidence collection.
Key highlights of the new laws discussed during the session included Strengthening the legal standing of e-evidence through the E-Sakshya app, synchronized with the judiciary, Mandatory collection of forensic evidence for serious crimes.
Stronger provisions for national security including Section 113 of BNS defining terrorism and Section 103(2) addressing mob lynching, Enhanced punishment framework including Section 304 of BNS now specifically addressing snatching crimes, Introduction of E-FIRs which Enables citizens to register complaints online, ensuring a more transparent and efficient process and Time-bound investigations which mentions Clear timelines set for various stages of criminal investigations.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were Additional Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Rajiv Khajuria, SP Rajouri, Vinay Gadge ACP, Sheraz Chouhan, Dy SP, Satish Sharma, Sr PO, Mohd Sayeed Qureshi along with other district and sectoral officers.
Simultaneously, awareness programs were also organized at Government Degree College, Thanamandi, and Dak Bungalow, Nowshera, to ensure wider dissemination of information regarding these landmark legal changes. Such programs shall continue across the district.