First Case Registered For Theft Of Motorcycle In Gwalior, Lengthiest Ever Pre-Enactment Discussion Of Four Years Held Before Passing The New Laws: Amit Shah

The Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, today in a press conference, said that the first case registered under the new criminal laws was a case of theft of a motorcycle worth Rs. 1,80,000/- in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, which was registered at around 12.10 am on July 1. He said that it was wrongly reported in the media that the first case was registered in Delhi against a street vendor. 

Amit Shah said that as a preparation for the implementation of the new laws, around 12000 master trainers are ready to train the police force and in total there are around 23000 master trainers.  He said that in total 4000 forensic workers, 6 lacs police officials, 4000 prosecutors, 20,000 officials in the judiciary and 10868 officials in prison have been imparted training on the new laws. 

He said that the new laws were discussed in the Lokshabha for more than nine hours and more than 6 hours in the Rajyasabha. With respect to the passing of the bills at the time when certain members of the opposition were expelled from the Parliament, Amit Shah said that bills were listed before the Business Advisory Committee of the Parliament earlier and that a few days before the bills were passed, the opposition parties had started boycotting proceedings and it appeared that they were not interested in participating in the discussions.  

He said that comments about the proposed laws were sought in 2020 in the form of a letter from all Members of Parliament, Chief Ministers, Supreme Court Judges, Chief Justices of High Courts, IPS officers, and District Collectors. Amit Shah said that these inputs were considered in 158 meetings chaired by himself as the Home Minister, in addition to meetings chaired by other officials of the Ministry. He said that the bill was sent to the committee of the Home Ministry and it was discussed for around three months and that parliamentarians of all parties participated in the discussions. 

He said, "Based on records, I can say that, post-independence, there been never been such lengthy process for enactment of any law. The laws were discussed for four years. Even now if you have something to say (about the law), I am ready to listen, but please let this law serve the people".   

"Rise above politics and support this law", he said.  

He said that misinformation is being spread that the Police remand period has been increased under the new laws and that it continues to be 15 days, which can be taken in one or two parts within the 60-day period. 

He said that the reforms will ensure welfare for all sections of society and will meet the needs of the present. He also referred to these laws as "Azaad Bharat Ke Kanoon". He said that the announcement marked a significant shift from the colonial-era laws that have governed the country for over 75 years since independence.

At the beginning of the press conference, Amit Shah said, "Today, I invite you all to witness a historic moment for our nation's criminal justice system. After nearly 77 years of independence, our criminal justice system is becoming completely indigenous, based on Indian ethos and tailored to our present needs."

He highlighted that the new laws will create the most modern justice system in the world. He also said that they have not only adopted technology but have provided for whatever technological advancement is likely to happen in technology in the next 50 years. He further said that the process of computerization has already been completed and 99.9% of the police stations have been computerized to generate e-records.  He emphasized that the FIR, e-FIR, Zero FIR, chargesheets, answers etc. will be all digital.

Shah emphasized that these new laws are designed to ensure timely and effective justice. He has said that considering the limitations and provisions in the new acts, from the registration of the FIR to the appeal to the Supreme Court, the time would not take more than three years. "In place of the outdated laws created by the British, we now have laws formulated by the Indian Parliament. This change will ensure justice prevails over revenge, speed in trials over delays, and protection of victims' rights alongside the rights of the accused," he said.

He also focussed on the fast track courts, speedy justice, speedy trial and limitations under these criminal laws. He said the judicial courts will work and function in all languages given under the Eight Schedule of the Constitution. 

He further said that the victims will get the progress report of the cases automatically within 90 days. He also said that in all the cases with a punishment of more than seven years of imprisonment, a mandatory forensic team visit will be done.

He also assured that they have trained officers in subordinate judiciary, police officers, master trainers, forensic officers and public prosecutors for an easy transition. The Public prosecutors have also been provided with a comparative analysis chart of the new and the old laws. Around 51224 workers, 4000 forensic workers, 6 lacs police officials, 4000 in prosecution, 20,000 officials in the judiciary and 10868 officials in prison have been trained for the easy implementation of the new laws. 

He also focussed on the prioritization of Women's and Children's Safety, combating Mob Lynching, abolishing Colonial Sedition laws and a victim-centric approach. 

He concluded by urging all political parties to rise above partisan politics and support the new laws for the greater good of the nation. "This is a momentous reform aimed at delivering timely justice and upholding the spirit of our Constitution. I appeal to everyone to cooperate and allow these laws to serve the public effectively", he said.