By Vishal Rana, Hamirpur

In a bid to provide insights into the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, which will be implemented nationwide from midnight, a workshop was organized at Hamirpur Police Station. The workshop was chaired by Rajesh Kumar, Additional Superintendent of Police, Hamirpur. The event saw the participation of police personnel and retired police officers.

The session aimed to shed light on the replacement of three longstanding laws from the British era. Addressing the attendees, Rajesh Kumar explained that three new criminal laws have been enacted effective July 1 to ensure timely justice for victims. This significant overhaul will bring comprehensive changes to the judicial system. The new laws include the Indian Judicial Code, the Indian Civil Protection Code, and the Indian Evidence Act. These laws replace the British-era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act. The introduction of these modern laws will establish an advanced judicial system, featuring mechanisms like Zero FIR, online complaint filing with the police, and summoning via SMS and other electronic means.

Rajesh Kumar noted that previously, a summons was considered served only when the concerned person physically received it. However, now a summons sent via WhatsApp will also be deemed valid. This new provision aims to fortify the victims’ position in legal proceedings.

The Additional Superintendent highlighted the necessity of adapting to the changing nature of crimes due to new technologies, emphasizing that videography of heinous crime scenes will be mandated. Under the new laws, criminal case verdicts are to be delivered within 45 days of the trial’s conclusion, and charges must be framed within 60 days of the first hearing. Furthermore, no case can be withdrawn without the complainant’s consent.

Stringent provisions have been introduced to enhance the safety of women and children, including the potential for the death penalty in cases of severe misconduct. The first case under the new laws was registered at Hamirpur Police Station, involving an assault charge categorized under various sections of the new act.