Amit Shah Hails New Criminal Laws as Historic Step Toward Speedy and Fair Justice

Amit Shah Hails New Criminal Laws as Landmark Reform for Faster, Fairer Justice.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday described the implementation of India’s three new criminal laws as a “historic reform” — the most comprehensive transformation of the country’s criminal justice system in the 21st century.

Speaking at the inauguration of an exhibition at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), Shah said the new laws mark a shift from a punitive justice model to one that prioritises fairness, transparency and speed.

“The three new laws will ensure easy and timely access to justice for all. Our criminal justice system will now be driven by justice rather than punishment,” he said.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Indian Evidence Act on July 1, 2024.

Highlighting early results under the new framework, Shah said the time-bound provisions for filing chargesheets — 60 days for regular offences and 90 days for serious crimes — were already yielding results.

“Within a year, over 50 percent of chargesheets are being filed on time. I’m confident this figure will rise to 90 percent next year,” he said.

He added that thousands of police personnel, judicial officers and forensic experts have been trained to ensure the effective rollout of the new system.

The Home Minister said the laws also modernise court procedures by allowing video appearances for accused persons, witnesses and experts — saving both time and money while reducing security risks.

Provisions for e-FIRs and Zero FIRs, Shah noted, have made the process of filing complaints simpler and more citizen-friendly.

“Earlier, the conviction rate in Rajasthan was 42 percent. After implementation of the new laws, it has increased to 60 percent, and I believe it will reach 90 percent soon,” he said.

At the JECC, Shah viewed demonstrations highlighting how the new laws have streamlined investigations and strengthened the victim-centric approach to justice. He urged the state government to extend the exhibition, scheduled to end on October 18, so more citizens could visit.

Later, Shah also presided over a virtual groundbreaking ceremony for projects worth ₹4 lakh crore — part of the ₹35 lakh crore investment commitments made during last year’s Rising Rajasthan summit.

“The BJP government delivers what it promises,” he said.