NEW DELHI: As the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government completed 100 days in office on Sunday, several actions aimed at reforming the justice system and mitigating disasters, among other measures, were highlighted by sources in the Union government.
The implementation of three new criminal laws, which replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, was a key reform. “On July 1, 2024, the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) , Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam came into force”, sources said.
The Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita comprises 358 sections, replacing the 511 sections in the IPC. Twenty new crimes have been added, and the imprisonment terms have been increased for 33 offences.
The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) now includes 531 sections, up from 484 in the CrPC. A total of 177 provisions have been altered, with nine new sections and 39 new sub-sections added. The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam now has 170 provisions, compared to the original 167, with 24 provisions being revised.
To enhance forensic infrastructure, the Union Cabinet approved Rs 2,554 crore over five years for the ‘National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (N.F.I.E.S.)’. This scheme emphasises the role of trained forensic professionals in ensuring the timely and scientific examination of evidence, a critical component of an efficient criminal justice process in an era of evolving crime methods.
On June 19, the government addressed allegations of question paper leaks in the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) by referring the matter to the CBI for investigation. The UGC-NET determines the eligibility of candidates for research opportunities, including Junior and Senior Research Fellowships (JRF and SRF).
In response to paper leak issues, the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act was passed, promoting greater transparency, fairness and credibility in public examinations.
Additionally, on June 26, the Lok Sabha adopted a resolution condemning the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Speaker Om Birla read out the resolution, stating that June 25, 1975, would forever be remembered as a black chapter in India’s history.
Home Minister Amit Shah remarked that the day serves as a reminder of the significant sacrifices made by those who endured the hardships of the 1975 Emergency, underscoring their contributions to protecting India’s democracy. On the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Birla praised the courage and determination of those who opposed the regime and safeguarded the nation’s democratic principles.
The government introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at strengthening the National Disaster Management Authority and establishing a State Disaster Response Force in various states. An allocation of Rs 6,350 crore was made for Urban Flood Management and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risk Mitigation Projects. Additionally, Rs 12,554 crore was approved for a range of services, including firefighting, managing glacial lake outbursts, flood mitigation, and other disaster management efforts.
Sources also highlighted the rollout of the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS 2.0) in several states and Union Territories. In recent weeks, states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have experienced heavy rainfall and flooding across various districts. To manage the situation and provide relief, an expert team has been formed to assist those affected by the disasters. (ANI)