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.