New criminal laws enacted with more humane approach: Assam Governor Kataria
Guwahati (PTI): Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has said the three new criminal laws, which replace those from the British era, have been enacted with a more humane approach, marking a significant shift from previous regulations.
He made these remarks during a two-day conference titled 'India's Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System,' organised by the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, here on Sunday.
The three new criminal laws will be rolled out across the country from July 1.
In his valedictory address, Kataria noted that the insights and lessons from the conference would significantly impact the effective implementation of the new laws, an official release said.
"These laws represent a major departure from the earlier colonial laws, instilling pride in every Indian by shedding the remnants of colonial legal heritage, not only in Assam but throughout the region," he said.
The governor highlighted the humane nature of these laws, mentioning specific provisions related to hit-and-run cases, crimes against women, and the abolition of sedition laws.
Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Justice Vijay Bishnoi, remarked that the new laws are a progressive step in modernising the country's legal system. He noted that their effectiveness will be assessed over time, and any necessary improvements could be made.
Gauhati High Court judge Justice Manas Ranjan Pathak emphasised the need to educate the general public and train those involved in implementing the new laws.
Justice (retired) Mir Alfaz Ali, vice-chancellor of the National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam, said successful implementation of these laws, in the interest of the common man, requires a change in the mindset of those enforcing them.
They must understand the philosophy and spirit of the new laws, which transition from a colonial to a nationalistic and citizen-centric approach, he added.
Three technical sessions were held on the concluding day, each dedicated to one of the new laws.
The first session focused on key elements of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), highlighting the shift from a punitive approach ('danda') to a justice-oriented one ('nyaya') within the legal framework.
The second session explored the procedural changes introduced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (BNSS) and their practical implications for the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.
The third session examined the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023, which includes provisions for artificial intelligence and data protection, and modernises evidence law by recognising electronic and digital records.
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UDF leaders see local body poll trends as pointer to 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Buoyed by the strong performance of the Congress-led UDF in the local body polls, KPCC president Sunny Joseph said on Saturday that the front's results indicated the people had rejected the LDF government.
According to early trends, the UDF was leading in more grama panchayats, block panchayats, municipalities and corporations than the LDF.
The local body polls were held in two phases in the state earlier this week.
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Speaking to reporters here, Joseph said the people of Kerala had extended their support to the UDF.
"We could expose the LDF government’s anti-people stance and the people understood it. The LDF’s fake propaganda was rejected by the people. The UDF is moving towards a historic victory," he said.
He said a united effort, proper preparations, good candidate selection and hard work had resulted in the Congress and the UDF’s victory in the elections.
Asked about the prospects in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Joseph said the party was studying the matter and would comment later.
LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan said the results would be closely examined.
According to him, the government had done everything possible for the people.
"Why such a verdict happened will be examined at the micro level. People’s opinion will be considered and further steps will be taken," he said.
He added that decisions would be taken after analysing the results. "If any corrective measures are required, we will initiate them and move forward," he said.
AICC leader K C Venugopal said the results showed that people had begun ousting those who, he alleged, were responsible for the loss of gold at Lord Ayyappa’s temple.
"This trend will continue in the Assembly elections as well. It is an indication that the people are ready to bring down the LDF government," he said.
Venugopal said the UDF had registered victories even in CPI(M) and LDF strongholds.
"I congratulate all UDF workers for their hard work. Congress workers and leaders worked unitedly," he said.
Referring to remarks made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against the Congress on polling day, Venugopal said the voters had responded through the verdict.
"I do not know whether the chief minister understands that the people are against him. Otherwise, he does not know the sentiment of the people. The state government cannot move an inch further," he said.
He said the results indicated a strong comeback for the UDF in Kerala.
Asked whether the Sabarimala gold loss issue had affected the LDF in the local polls, Venugopal said the CM and the CPI(M) state secretary did not take the issue seriously.
"We took a strong stand on the matter. The BJP played a foul game in it," he alleged.
On the BJP's role in the local body elections, Venugopal alleged that the party operated with the CPI(M) 's tacit support.
"The CPI(M) supported the central government on issues such as PM-SHRI, labour codes and corruption in national highway construction. The CPI(M) is facing ideological decline, and the state government’s policies are against the party’s own decisions," he said.
Meanwhile, LDF ally Kerala Congress (M) leader Jose K Mani said the party could not win all the wards it had expected in the elections.
He congratulated winners from all parties and said the party would closely examine the losses and identify shortcomings. "Later, we will take corrective measures," he added.
Senior Congress leader and MP Rajmohan Unnithan said the trends in the local body elections indicated that the UDF would return to power in the 2026 Assembly elections.
"We will win 111 seats as in 1977 and return to power in 2026. The anti-government sentiment of the people is reflected in the elections," he said.
Unnithan said the people were disturbed and unhappy with the present government.
"The trend indicates the end of the LDF government," he added.
CPI(M) MLA M M Mani said the people had shown ingratitude towards the LDF despite benefiting from welfare schemes.
"After receiving all welfare schemes and living comfortably, people voted against us due to some temporary sentiments. Is that not ingratitude," he asked.
Mani said no such welfare initiatives had taken place in Kerala earlier.
"People are receiving pensions and have enough to eat. Even after getting all this, they voted against us. This is what can be called ingratitude," he said.
Muslim League state president Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal said the results were beyond expectations.
"The outcome points towards the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, indicating that a change of government is imminent. We are going to win the Assembly election," he said.
