New criminal laws to strengthen policy of zero tolerance against terrorism: LG
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said that India’s new criminal laws will strengthen the country’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and help remove terrorism from society.
Speaking at J&K Police Public School Bemina, Sinha, said that the new laws have replaced colonial-era criminal justice rules after nearly 150 years.
He said this marks a historic shift, freeing India’s justice system from the remnants of colonial rule and focusing on protecting vulnerable groups.
“These three laws have completely transformed our criminal justice system and shifted the focus toward victims rather than just punishment,” Sinha said.
He said the process began in 2019 when PM Modi ordered a review of all British-era laws.
“Since then, feedback was collected from all states and union territories to shape new laws, which aim to create justice and equality for all,” he added.
Sinha added new laws have ended the colonial system of oppression, abolished the old imperial legal framework, and made forensic investigation mandatory for serious crimes.
He also emphasised the need for public awareness about these changes, stating that the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Education Department, and Legal Services Department should continue to organize awareness campaigns.
“I am pleased that the Crime Branch Kashmir has organised this campaign. I hope similar efforts will be made by Crime Branch Jammu and at the district level,” he said.
Sinha also said for the first time, terrorism has been clearly defined in Indian law as acts that threaten national unity, public safety, or peace.
“These measures will strengthen zero tolerance against terrorism and help cleanse the region of its effects,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the initiative of the Economic Offences Wing, J&K Police to raise awareness and educate students, parents and the general public. He said the exhibition will help in achieving broader objectives of shaping understanding on new laws and ensuring justice to the last man in queue.
“After almost 150 years, India’s criminal justice system underwent a significant overhaul on July 1, 2024. The ‘Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’, ‘Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita’, and ‘Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam’ were implemented nationwide to replace colonial-era laws, making the legal system more transparent and efficient.
The three new criminal laws have completely transformed our criminal justice system, making it victim-centric and more justice-oriented than punitive.
“The new criminal laws reflect India’s collective vision of justice. The prime objective of the new Laws is to protect and empower the women and weaker sections of the society. Special care has been taken to make the weaker sections, women and children priority of the justice system,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the Jammu Kashmir Police to continue organizing public awareness camps on new criminal laws, in collaboration with the Information Department, Education Department and Legal Services Authority. He also stressed the importance of capacity building at all levels.
Nalin Prabhat, DGP; S.J.M. Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Sujit Kumar, IGP Security, J&K; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; senior officials of Police and Civil Administration, civil society members, teachers and students in large number were present.
