Meghalaya is geared up to implement three reformed criminal laws which will come into effect in India from tomorrow.
The three new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — will replace the Indian Penal Code of 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure Act of 1898, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, respectively.
The new laws promise a more streamlined and victim-centric approach to criminal justice. Provisions like allowing the registration of FIRs (First Information Reports) at any police station (Zero FIR) and mandatory videography of crime scenes for heinous offences are expected to strengthen investigations and support victims. It also includes online filing of complaints, electronic summons via SMS, and swift sharing of evidence.
The new laws allow people to report incidents electronically without visiting a police station, making reporting faster and easier.
The new laws state that judgments in criminal cases must be delivered within 45 days of the trial’s completion, and charges must be framed within 60 days of the first hearing. A female police officer will record rape victims’ statements in the presence of a guardian or relative, and medical reports must be completed within seven days.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma yesterday said the new criminal laws will not affect the jurisdiction and judicial powers of District Council courts in the State.
“The new laws will not impact the existing laws of the district councils. Just as it has been in the past, the laws and judicial powers of the district councils will continue unaffected in the future. There is no question of any impact on these laws,” Sangma said.
Recently, awareness sessions were conducted across Meghalaya for law enforcement personnel, lawyers, officers and media persons.
Yesterday, the Law Department of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) conducted an awareness programme on the three new criminal laws. The event, held on June 29 at Dorbar Hall in Mawkynroh, Umshing was attended by 30 leaders from the community.
Faculty members Dr. A K Singh, Dr. R Sil, and Dr. Shishir Tiwari presented the key provisions of the new laws, with Daiaman Langstang providing Khasi language interpretation to ensure clear communication with the local audience.
The programme was chaired by headman of Mawkynroh Umshing locality Longshai Nongkhlaw. This initiative is part of the NEHU Law Department’s ongoing outreach activities, aimed at bridging the gap between legal reforms and public understanding.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range) Davis N R Marak recently said that Meghalaya police is ready to implement the new criminal laws, which will come into effect from July 1.
“We have done extensive training for the police officers, who are supposed to implement the new laws and we hope that they have understood what they have been trained for. So now we just have to translate that training into actual implementation now,” he said.
