India's Criminal Justice Revolution: Amit Shah Introduces Historic Reforms for Faster and More Accessible Justice System

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday characterized the implementation of three new criminal laws as a historic reform, representing the most significant overhaul of India's criminal justice system in the 21st century.

Previously, under the old system, legal cases would frequently extend for 25 to 30 years without resolution, effectively denying citizens access to timely justice. The newly implemented system aims to fundamentally change this pattern, Amit Shah explained after inaugurating an exhibition in Jaipur where he observed demonstrations of criminal investigation and prosecution procedures under the new legislative framework.

The exhibition, hosted at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), highlights India's transformation from a punitive criminal justice approach to one centered on justice and transparency.

"These three new laws will provide straightforward and timely access to justice for all citizens. Through these updated criminal laws, our justice system will be guided by principles of justice rather than merely punishment," Amit Shah stated.

"The public perception of our judicial system often discourages people from seeking legal remedies. These new laws are designed to make justice simpler, faster, and more accessible to everyone," he added.

Amit Shah expressed confidence that once fully implemented, India's criminal justice system would become the "most modern in the world."

The new legislation—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—took effect on July 1, 2024, replacing the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act.

Addressing the time-bound procedures introduced under the new laws, Amit Shah acknowledged initial skepticism about meeting deadlines such as filing chargesheets within 60 days for regular offenses and 90 days for serious crimes.

"However, within just one year of implementation, over 50 percent of chargesheets are now being filed on time nationwide. I am confident this figure will increase to 90 percent within another year," he remarked.

The government has conducted extensive training for lakhs of police personnel, thousands of judicial officers, and staff from forensic laboratories and prisons to ensure effective implementation of the new system.

Amit Shah highlighted that these reforms will significantly reduce the necessity for physical court appearances.

"Accused individuals will appear via video conferencing from jail, and police officers, bank employees, doctors, and forensic experts will also be able to participate through video conferencing. This will conserve both time and financial resources," he explained.

This approach will also diminish the risk of undertrial prisoners escaping from police custody, he noted.

According to Amit Shah, provisions for electronic FIR filing and Zero FIR are intended to simplify the initial complaint registration process.

"Previously, Rajasthan's conviction rate was 42 percent. After implementing these laws, it has increased to 60 percent. Once implementation is complete, I believe it will reach 90 percent," he predicted.

At the exhibition, Amit Shah and other attendees observed presentations by police officers demonstrating how the new laws have reduced investigation timeframes and enhanced productivity. The victim-centered approach of the new legislation was also showcased.

The exhibition is scheduled to conclude on October 18, though Amit Shah suggested the state government consider extending its duration to allow more citizens to visit.

Additionally, Amit Shah presided over a virtual ground-breaking ceremony for various development projects, for which memoranda of understanding were signed during last year's 'Rising Rajasthan' investment summit.

The ground-breaking ceremony represented projects valued at Rs 4 lakh crore out of the total Rs 35 lakh crore committed during the summit. The minister emphasized that the BJP government consistently delivers on its promises.