Ministry of Justice to organize conference: ‘Advancing India’s approach to criminal justice

The Ministry of Legal Affairs, under the Ministry of Law and Justice, organized a comprehensive conference on the theme ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Justice’. The event, held at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi, lasted a whole day.

A diverse range of attendees, including judges of various high courts, the President, Vice President and members of ITAT, lawyers, academicians, representatives of law enforcement agencies, police officials, public prosecutors, district judges, other officials and law students, attended the occasion, it appears from a statement from the Ministry of Law and Justice on Sunday.

The conference took place against the backdrop of the enactment of three major penal laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, which would come into force on July 1, 2024.

The valued presence of Dr. Justice DY Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India, as the chief guest, added prestige to the event. Notable dignitaries included 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 SKG Rahate, Secretary of the Ministry of Justice in India. the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Legal Affairs, set the tone by outlining the objectives of the Conference and highlighted the significance of the three laws in breaking the colonial legal legacy.

Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary, Ministry of Legal Affairs, further elaborated on the historical context behind the enactment of the laws, emphasizing the need to move beyond colonial frameworks to a more citizen-centric legal system.

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Chief Justice DY Chandrachud highlighted the transformative potential of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), especially its provisions for speedy trials and integration of electronic modes in legal proceedings, crucial in the digital age.

The need for infrastructure development to fully utilize the potential of the new laws was also emphasized by the Chief Justice, underscoring the importance of continuous adjustment of the legal frameworks.

Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Law and Justice, emphasized the need to bring the criminal justice system in line with Indian values ​​and ethos, and move away from colonial vestiges.

R Venkataramani, Ld. Attorney General for India, Tushar Mehta, Ld. Solicitor General of India and SKG Rahate, Secretary, Ministry of Justice, further reiterated the need to embrace change and modernization in legal practice.

The conference consisted of three technical sessions, each focusing on one of the adopted laws. These sessions facilitated discussions on the impact of the legislation, procedural changes and the role of the admissibility of evidence in the legal process.

The event concluded with a valedictory session graced by eminent judges and legal luminaries who highlighted the importance of institutional mechanisms, technological advancements and a citizen-centric approach in realizing the full potential of the new laws.

In summary, the Conference served as a platform for robust discussions and insights into India’s evolving criminal justice landscape, underscoring the country’s commitment to promoting a fair, efficient and inclusive legal framework.