Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on July 1st that the three new criminal laws will be accessible in all regional languages, including Tamil. He urged for a collective effort if there are any concerns regarding the names of these laws. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) were implemented on July 1st, replacing the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act, respectively. 

"One thing I want to emphasise is that the entire law will be available in Tamil, and proceedings will also be conducted in Tamil. If there are still objections regarding the names, there should have been a combined effort to address this. I urge stakeholders to come forward with their grievances," Amiit Shah stated at a press conference. 

He was responding to a question about objections raised by some individuals, including MPs from Tamil Nadu, regarding the new laws being named in Hindi. The Home Minister assured that these laws would be available in all languages listed in the Constitution's Eighth Schedule. "If they have any opposition to the name, they can raise it by meeting me. Neither the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister nor these MPs have sought time to meet me," he stated. 

Amit Shah dismissed opposition claims that the new criminal laws were not debated and that consultations were lacking before their implementation. "In the history of independent India, I can say with certainty that no laws have been discussed as extensively as these new laws. I have personally attended 118 discussion meetings," Amit Shah stated. 

He mentioned that 30 hours of discussions took place, with 34 members participating. "After 77 years of Independence, the criminal justice system is now completely 'swadeshi' and embedded in Indian ethos," he said. 

The opposition has claimed that the new laws were bulldozed through by the government and passed without proper discussion last year when over 140 opposition MPs were suspended. They also argued that the Standing Committee did not consider dissenting voices. In response, the Home Minister clarified that only four or five political suggestions were left out, but all other suggestions were discussed and included. "I want to tell people in opposition, rise above politics and support this development," he stressed, adding that the Centre was also open to changing the names of the new laws. 

Additionally, a petition is ongoing in the Kerala High Court opposing the Hindi names of the new laws, and many south-based political parties have also opposed the titles of the new laws due to their Hindi names. 

Mr. Shah also clarified that the new laws do not grant additional powers to the police and that the remand period will remain at 15 days. "In the first 60 days, the police can take custody for 15 days at any time," he explained. 

He further stated, "In the next 3 to 4 years, the entire system will undergo an uplift. From the registration of FIRs to the delivery of judgments, the process will be technology-driven." He added that the laws will be more scientific, and the evidence will be more technology-based. "I want to assure the public that under the new law, justice can be received up to the level of the Supreme Court within three years of the registration of the FIR." 

The Centre has been working for four years, seeking suggestions from states and police forces to formulate the new laws. According to Mr. Shah, 99% of police stations have been computerized. "Instead of 'dand' (punishment), it is now 'nyay' (justice). Instead of delays, there will be speedy trials and speedy justice. Previously, only the rights of the police were protected, but now, the rights of victims and complainants will be protected too," Mr. Shah stated. 

Image Source: The Economic Times