Three New Criminal Laws came into force: Lt Governor addresses implementation ceremony at PHQ Srinagar

#SRINAGAR: Historic Day in Indian Criminal Justice System as new Criminal Laws came into force today. To mark this momentous occasion, the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha presided over the implementation ceremony of the new Laws in J&K, at Police Headquarters.

Hon’ble Chief Justice, J&K and Ladakh High Court Sh. Justice N. Kotiswar Singh also graced the occasion.

In his address, the Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah for bringing the much-needed reforms in the Criminal Justice System of the country.

He said the commencement of 3 new laws- ‘Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’, ‘Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita’ and ‘Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam’- breaks the centuries-old shackles of colonial legacy.

“The new laws will ensure justice and equality for all, moving away from the repressive colonial framework. The reforms, rooted in the principles of liberty and fraternity, are a testament to our commitment to protect the vulnerable and ensure justice for all,” the Lt Governor said.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita replaces the Indian Penal Code of 1860, focusing on restorative justice and victim rights. This law shifts the focus from mere punishment to rehabilitation and reintegration. It aims to address the root causes of crime and offer offenders a chance to reform and contribute positively to society.

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita replaces the Criminal Procedure Code of 1973, ensuring swift and fair trials. This law introduces measures to reduce delays in the justice delivery system, ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done on time. It also emphasizes the protection of the rights of the accused while ensuring public safety.

The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam replaces the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, modernizing evidence collection and use. This law uses modern technology to ensure the accuracy and integrity of evidence. It introduces digital documentation and forensic advancements to strengthen the credibility of the judicial process.

Speaking on the overarching objectives of the new criminal laws, the Lt Governor said the new laws, based on individual freedom and human rights, reflect a major shift towards a more humane and just system.

“Designed to protect victim rights and ensure justice with a focus on human dignity, moving away from punitive colonial measures, new criminal laws acknowledge that every individual, regardless of their past, has the potential for change. New laws focus on restorative justice, where the emphasis is on repairing the harm caused by criminal behaviour and reintegrating offenders into society,” the Lt Governor said.

#SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha yesterday visited Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra transit camp at Pantha Chowk and inspected the arrangements for Yatris.

The Lt Governor interacted with the pilgrims and service providers and enquired about the facilities.

Earlier, the Lt Governor conducted the on-site inspection and took stock of the ongoing construction work of the Yatri Niwas and Office of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board at Pantha Chowk.

He also visited various sections including rooms and dormitories and directed the officials to explore all the possibilities to increase the capacity to accommodate more pilgrims at the facility.

The Lt Governor was accompanied by Vijay Kumar, ADGP Law & Order; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and officials from other concerned departments.

ANANTNAG: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited Chandanwari Base camp and inspected the arrangements made for the pilgrims of holy Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.

The Lt Governor interacted with the officers and service providers and took stock of the security arrangements and facilities including food & lodging, healthcare, connectivity, sanitation, power & water supply and other amenities at the camp and enroute.

The Lt Governor is closely monitoring the yatra arrangements and taking first-hand appraisal of the preparedness of the Administration, Shrine Board, Police & Security forces and various stakeholders ahead of the annual yatra of Shri Amarnath Ji.

The Lt Governor was accompanied by Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board;  Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag and other senior officers of District Administration, SASB, Police and Security Forces.

#SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today held a meeting to review progress achieved, so far, in solarisation of government buildings here in the Union Territory.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, Principal Secretary, Finance, Commissioner Secretary, Science & Technology, Managing Director, JPDCL/KPDCL, Chief Executive Officer, JAKEDA, representatives from JaKeGA, NHPC besides other concerned officers while officers stationed at Jammu participated online.

Dulloo, while highlighting the significance of this prestigious project towards streamlining power scenerio, stressed on framing a vibrant implementation strategy in sync with availability of resources, manpower and allied capacities of the department. In this regard, he called for conducting a thorough analysis of all the available models adopted by different States and UTs so that the best suitable can be replicated in J&K. He also reviewed availability of funds with the department and the proportion to be pooled from other departments. He asked about the preparations being made on account of successful implementation of this ambitious scheme here besides assessing the status of tenders, data compilation and consultation with stakeholders.

The Chief Secretary asked for maintaining close coordination with the PDD Discoms for evacuation of surplus energy and realization of revenue indicating roles for each of the associated partners.

In his presentation, Commissioner Secretary, S&T, Saurabh Bhagat, detailed out the implementation strategy framed by the department for 100 percent solarization of government buildings in the UT. He also gave brief account about the institutional set-up put in place by the department to achieve this milestone professionally.

It was informed in the meeting that J&K Energy Development Agency, under Capex mode, shall be implementing 70 MW covering 8792 government buildings for which tendering process is underway. It was added that JAKEDA, under RESCO mode, is contemplating to execute 175 MW covering 7039 buildings for which tender document and PPA has been vetted by the Finance Department. Besides, it was informed that NHPC, under RESCO mode, shall be executing 63 MW of solar energy production covering 2838 buildings. It was said that NHPC has created SPV for the same. The agency is also covering all the central government buildings present in the UT.

The meeting was also apprised that out of the total of 32,016 government buildings, 22,494 had been found feasible for solarisation. Besides, 17 percent of buildings had already been taken-up and completed by JAKEDA, so far, making the UT among the top performers at national level.

#KATRA: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today met the pilgrims injured in the Reasi Terror Attack who are undergoing treatment at Government Medical College, Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra.

The Lieutenant Governor posted on X:

“Met the injured pilgrims at Government Medical College, Jammu & Narayana Hospital, Katra and wished them a speedy recovery. The entire nation stands firmly with the families of martyred pilgrims in this hour of grief”.

The team of doctors briefed the Lt Governor on the health condition of the injured and the medical facilities being extended to them.

The Lt Governor is closely monitoring the situation. He has directed the District and Hospital Administration for ensuring the best possible medical care and all necessary assistance to the affected families.

Earlier, the Lt Governor had approved an ex-gratia of Rs.10 lakh each for the next of kin of the pilgrims martyred and Rs. 50,000 each for those injured in Reasi terror attack.

#SRINAGAR: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has strongly condemned the terror attack on a bus in Reasi today.

The Lieutenant Governor extended his deepest condolences to the family members of civilians who have lost their lives in the terror attack.

He said the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation and directed him to constantly monitor the situation and to ensure all possible assistance to the families.

The Lieutenant Governor posted on X:

“I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on a bus in Reasi. My condolences to the family members of the martyred civilians. Our security forces & JKP have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists.

PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji took stock of the situation and has asked me to constantly monitor the situation. All those behind this heinous act will be punished soon. Hon’ble PM has also directed that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care & assistance”.