Itanagar, June 28 (FN Representative) The State Government in Arunachal Pradesh is all set to implement the three new criminal laws along with the rest of the country from July 1. The new criminal laws – Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 will replace the British-era criminal laws – the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1873, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively. “Extensive preparations have been made to ensure a seamless transition,” a senior State government officer said on Friday, while adding, “Significant strides have been made in capacity building and comprehensive training of all pillars of the criminal justice system”. Joint Secretary Home Karma Leki informed that for the successful implementation of these laws, and for smooth transition and effective administration of justice under the new legal framework, the Law Department, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with North Eastern Judicial Officer’s Training Institute (NEJOTI), Guwahati will impart intensive training on the three New Criminal laws to the public prosecutors of the State.
“Under the Directorate of Prosecution, once it is established, the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh intends to create various categories of posts to ensure its smooth functioning. The prison officers from the rank of Superintendent of Prison to Warden have attended training programme organized by the CDTI, Kolkata on sensitization of new criminal laws,” he said. “The State police force has been the main focus of intensive training programmes aimed at equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to enforce the three new criminal laws (BNS, BNSS and BSA) effectively”, he said. A series of trainings were conducted in multiple phases with the focus has been on creating master trainers who can further disseminate knowledge within their respective units. A total of 39 Sub-Inspectors (Sls) and Inspectors have been trained as master trainers through a training of trainers program. Further, each district now has a master trainer to assist police officers in clarifying doubts about the new laws. Significant efforts have also been made in the integration and testing of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS). Patches issued by the NCRB have been tested and the FlRs will be drawn in CCTNS enabled with new criminal laws. Additionally, the e-Sakshya App has been launched by the MHA/NCRB for recording of evidence at crime scenes, search and seizure videography, and search by police officer videography, Leki said. Accordingly, hands-on training for CCTNS operators has been completed for a total of 184 operators in multiple batches, ensuring that the system is fully operational by the implementation date.
Moreover, the forensic capabilities of the state are being enhanced with a proposal for 5 Mobile Forensic Vans and 25 qualified scientific staff to cover all districts. “lt is expected to take 6-12 months for full implementation,” the Joint Secretary Home said. ln the interim, existing methods of evidence collection will continue. Additionally, a proposal for the creation of a full-fledged Directorate of State Forensic Science Laboratory with 46 new posts, is also under process, he informed. To mark the implementation of New Criminal Laws, an event and awareness program will be organized at each Police Station on Monday to highlight the key features of the new criminal laws. A handbook for investigating officers called “Anveshan Sangrah”, curated by Itanagar Police, incorporating the new criminal laws and containing guidelines for effective investigation, was launched recently by Justice Kardak Ete of the Gauhati High Court. “The State Government’s comprehensive approach, encompassing training, system integration, administrative support, transparency, and accountability, underscores its commitment to enhancing the criminal justice system. With these measures in place, the implementation of the new criminal laws is poised for success, marking a significant step forward in law enforcement and justice administration in the State,” the joint secretary added.