Ministry of Law to organize conference titled ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System’

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Updated: April 21, 2024 9:45 PM IST

New Delhi (India), April 21 (ANI): The Ministry of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, on Saturday organized a day-long conference on the theme ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Justice’ at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi.
The conference was attended by a large audience and distinguished guests comprising judges of various high courts, the President and Vice President and members of ITAT, lawyers, academicians, representatives of law enforcement agencies, police officials, public prosecutors, district judges and other officials. and law students, the Ministry of Law and Justice said on Sunday.
The conference took place against the backdrop of the enactment of three penal laws namely Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 as they came into force from July 1, 2024.
The Chief Justice of India, Dr. Justice DY Chandrachud, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The other dignitaries present were Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Law and Justice, R Venkataramani, Attorney General of India, Tushar Mehta, Attorney General of India and Secretary of SKG Rahate, Department of Justice. Justice at the Ministry of Law and Justice.
At the outset, Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Legal Affairs, outlined the objectives of the conference and briefly emphasized the importance of the three laws, which symbolize a break from the shackles of the colonial legal legacy.
In his welcome address, Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, highlighted the background to the enactment of the three penal laws and how it unleashes the legal structure and framework created by the British and is intended to perpetuate these laws. British rule in India on the ostentatious grounds of establishing the rule of law.
The existing criminal laws, which have their origins in the colonial era, must come to the fore and define the relationship between state and citizen, based not on colonial prejudices and practices, but on the principles of access to justice for all. The three laws were therefore enacted to overhaul the criminal justice system in the country and put citizens at the center, he added.
Chief Justice of India Dr Justice DY Chandrachud said the new Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) offers a holistic approach to tackle crimes in the digital age.
“The BNSS also stipulates that criminal trials must be completed within three years, and sentences must be handed down within 45 days of being reserved. This would help in clearing the huge backlogs and expediting the delivery of justice,” he added.
The CJI particularly mentioned that it is very heartening to note that Section 530 of the BNSS allows all trials, investigations and proceedings to be conducted in electronic mode, which is in keeping with the needs of the times. He also drew attention to the importance of protecting privacy in the digital age, especially when it comes to the digitization of procedures and matters related to digital evidence, he said.
The Chief Justice of India further emphasized that while the three penal laws create provisions that are in sync with our times, there is a need to create adequate infrastructure so that all stakeholders can take full advantage of these laws. He emphasized on the creation of digital justice infrastructure to create technologically equipped justice systems for efficient case management for all.
The CJI concluded by stating that laws and their implementation are an ever-evolving area. There is no finality to any law, nor to the manner in which it is implemented. However, one must be willing to embrace positive changes to meet the needs of the times.
Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Law and Justice, pointed out the need for changes in the criminal justice system, which was initially implemented from the perspective of colonial rulers and lacked the Indian spirit . and ethos.

Other speakers who addressed the conference included R Venkataramani, Ld. Attorney General for India, and Tushar Mehta, Ld. Solicitor General of India and SKG Rahate, Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice Venkataramani, Ld. India’s Attorney General emphasized that willingness and commitment for change is essential to building a vibrant justice system. Tushar Mehta, Ld.
The Solicitor General of India spoke of the historic need for change and the need for visionary leadership to appreciate and bring about such changes. He highlighted important provisions of the three criminal laws and how they would revolutionize the criminal justice system.
SKG Rahate, Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, said there is a need for establishment of a unified justice administration system based on e-courts, adoption of AI-based technology, etc. for effective implementation of the three new criminal laws.
The conference consisted of three technical sessions on Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 respectively. These sessions examined the impact of the legislation on new-age crimes, procedural changes affecting the judicial power and law enforcement agencies, and the crucial role of the admissibility of evidence in the legal process.
The first technical session held in-depth discussions on adopting a comparative approach to assess the implementation of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS) and address futuristic needs. The hearing was presided over by Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, Judge of the Delhi High Court.
The second technical session delved into the implications of the procedural changes introduced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (BNSS) and how the judiciary and police officers should deal with them, and their practical implications for the functioning of the judiciary power and law enforcement agencies. Hon’ble Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Judge of Allahabad High Court, presided over the hearing.
The third technical session discussed key aspects of Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 (BSA) such as recognizing electronic and digital documents/evidence, facilitating electronic summons, etc. Justice CD Singh, Judge of the Delhi High Court, presided over the session for.
The event concluded with a valedictory session graced by Justice PS Narasimha, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, as the chief guest. Also, Justice Sanjay Karol, Judge, Supreme Court and Justice Rekha Palli, Judge, High Court of Delhi, Chetan Sharma, Ld. Additional Solicitor General of the Delhi High Court and Chhaya Sharma, Special Commissioner (Trg) of Delhi Police were guests of honour.
In his speech, Justice PS Narasimha emphasized the need for setting up an institutional mechanism for the successful implementation of the three penal laws.
Justice Sanjay Karol expressed optimism that BNS’s focus on technology and its citizen-centric approach would ensure timely and effective administration of justice.
Judge Rekha Palli stated that the new laws provide clear definitions, ensure accessibility and promote gender equality. Chetan Sharma, Ld ASG emphasized that the new laws are a transition from the colonial legacy to a legal system based on Dharma and Bharatiya values.
Chhaya Sharma, Special Commissioner (Trg) of Delhi Police underlined the transformative potential of the new laws and initiatives to train police officers. She welcomed the law’s provisions regarding mandatory videography during searches and seizures and the distinction made between organized and unorganized crime.
Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary, Legal Affairs Department, summarized the deliberations of the technical sessions and highlighted the points that emerged from them. The farewell session ended with a word of thanks by Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Additional Secretary, Legal Department. (ANI)