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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Go to EC or courts: BJP state chief on allegations regarding Suresh Gopi's 2024 LS win
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Wednesday said any illegality in connection with the election of a candidate during polls should be raised before the Election Commission or the courts, "instead of spreading lies to fool and provoke the public".
Chandrasekhar's remarks came in the wake of Congress and CPI allegations that Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi filed a false declaration during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and that his victory from Thrissur constituency was due to voter list manipulation.
The Congress, a day ago, alleged that the Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Tourism submitted a false declaration to be included in the voters' list for the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency.
The grand old party has lodged a complaint with the police demanding registration of a criminal case against him.
Prior to that, CPI leader V S Sunil Kumar, on Monday, alleged that there was clear manipulation in the electoral roll, which facilitated Gopi's victory in the Thrissur constituency.
Gopi had won the Thrissur seat by a significant margin of over 74,000 votes, defeating Kumar and Congress candidate K Muraleedharan in a closely fought three-cornered contest.
On Wednesday, Chandrasekhar questioned the veracity of the allegations by saying that these claims were being raised one-and-a-half year after Gopi won in the LS polls.
The BJP leader also said that such issues should be raised before the Election Commission or the courts by filing a complaint or election petition.
"They do not do that. Instead, they try to provoke the public by telling lies or try to divert people's attention by their propaganda. It is all a show," he claimed.
He alleged that such dramas are being done by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan as elections approach.
Meanwhile, Gopi reached Thrissur and met a BJP worker who was injured in a protest on Tuesday.
After arriving at Thrissur railway station, the minister did not respond to reporters' queries about the Congress and CPI allegations.
At the hospital, he only said, "Thanks for helping so much". It was not clear to whom he was referring to.
On Tuesday, General Education Minister V Sivankutty urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to carry out a re-election in the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency, in the wake of reports of widespread voters' list manipulation.
