MHA Republic Day Tableau to Spotlight New Criminal Laws and Digital Justice Transformation
The Union Home Ministry's tableau at the 77th Republic Day parade on Monday will prominently feature the nationwide implementation of three groundbreaking criminal laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakhsya Adhiniyam. According to an official release issued on Saturday, the display will emphasize India's significant shift toward a modern, technology-driven, time-bound, and citizen-centric justice system.
Transition from Colonial Legacy to Indian Justice Philosophy
These three new criminal laws, which officially replaced the longstanding Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Indian Evidence Act on July 1, 2024, represent a fundamental departure from colonial-era principles. An MHA spokesperson explained that by moving away from punishment-centric approaches, these laws embody the aspiration of 'Viksit Bharat' through an Indian philosophy of justice, transitioning from punishment to justice.
Technology-Driven Features Highlighted in the Tableau
The MHA tableau will showcase several key technological innovations that are revolutionizing the criminal justice process:
- e-Sakshya: A digital evidence collection system ensuring secure and efficient documentation.
- National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS): Advanced biometric identification for enhanced accuracy in criminal investigations.
- e-Summon: Enables courts to issue digitally signed summons electronically, reducing procedural delays.
- Technology-enabled court processes: Including virtual hearings that improve accessibility and efficiency.
These elements demonstrate the seamless integration among police, forensics, prosecution, courts, and prisons under the Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) framework. Additionally, mobile forensic units depicted in the tableau symbolize improved forensic reach and rapid response capabilities at crime scenes.
Enhanced Response Mechanisms and Inclusivity
The tableau also emphasizes swift response mechanisms through integrated control-room systems and enhanced surveillance infrastructure, such as CCTV cameras. It highlights the increasing role of trained women police personnel in field operations and response units, showcasing gender inclusivity in law enforcement.
Furthermore, the multilingual representation of the new law books in the tableau underscores the government's commitment to accessibility, inclusiveness, and transparency. This ensures that the reformed legal framework is understandable and accessible to citizens across India's diverse linguistic landscape.
Overall, the MHA's Republic Day presentation serves as a visual testament to India's progressive strides in legal reform and technological adoption within the justice system.
