Amit Shah reviews implementation of new criminal laws in northeast

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 16 assessed the implementation of three new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—in the northeastern states during a high-level meeting in Guwahati.

 

The meeting brought together chief ministers and police chiefs from across the region to discuss progress and challenges related to the new legal framework.

 

Manipur, currently under President’s Rule, was represented by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. The Office of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the meeting in a post on X, stating, "Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah is currently chairing a conference of Chief Ministers from the North Eastern States in Guwahati on the implementation of the new criminal laws."

 

Chief ministers from seven northeastern states, along with the directors general of police (DGPs) from five, attended the review session. However, DGPs from Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur were absent. Chief secretaries of multiple states also participated in the discussions.

 

Each state presented updates on the rollout of the new laws, highlighting key changes in police procedures, judicial processes, prosecution, and forensic investigations. "The meeting has begun sometime back. It started with the opening remarks by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan after the arrival of Shah," an official told PTI.

 

Following the presentations, Shah released a book titled New Criminal Laws: Standard Operating Procedures and Rules, compiled by the Assam Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and published by the Assam government.

 

Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) Director General Rajeev Kumar Sharma was scheduled to deliver the final presentation, providing an overview of the progress in implementing the three laws across the region. "The final presentation will be made by Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) Director General Rajeev Kumar Sharma. He will update the home minister and others on the status of implementation of the three new laws in the northeastern states," an official said.

 

A general discussion followed, allowing attendees to exchange insights and address concerns. "At the last, Shah will address the gathering on the three laws and how better those can be implemented. He will give his suggestions and feedback," a senior official said on condition of anonymity.

 

The meeting saw participation from several high-ranking officials from the Centre, including Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Kumar Deka. With the new laws set to reshape the country’s criminal justice system, the discussions aimed to ensure a smooth transition and effective enforcement in the northeastern states. (With inputs from PTI)