Jammu and Kashmir – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha held a high-level meeting on Thursday to assess the implementation of three new criminal laws in the Union Territory, emphasizing the need to improve conviction rates, especially in cases involving anti-national activities and terrorism.
The meeting focused on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, which came into effect on July 1, 2024. Sinha stressed the importance of transparency in police actions and adherence to established timelines for the swift investigation of cases.
“Improving the conviction rate, particularly in heinous crimes and terror-related incidents, is crucial,” Sinha stated. He called for dedicated efforts to strengthen the criminal justice system in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor reviewed the measures taken for capacity building and training of police personnel and officials from other departments to ensure effective enforcement of the new laws. He directed officials to conduct a comparative analysis of the pre- and post-implementation phases of these laws to gauge their impact.
Sinha also highlighted the need for public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the new legal framework. He instructed the preparation of a calendar for these campaigns in collaboration with various departments.
The meeting further discussed advancements in technological initiatives, the establishment of standard operating procedures (SoPs) and guidelines, and the translation of the new laws into local languages, including Dogri and Kashmiri. Additionally, the procurement of forensic science laboratory (FSL) vans and the training of forensic experts, prison personnel, and judicial officers were also on the agenda.
The Lieutenant Governor’s proactive approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that the new laws are implemented efficiently and transparently for the benefit of the public.
