Delhi, 16 March (H.S.): Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired a review meeting in Guwahati today concerning the implementation of three New Criminal Laws in the North-Eastern states. He also launched a book titled ‘New Criminal Laws: Standard Operating Procedures and Rules’ prepared by CID, Assam. The meeting involved the Chief Ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim, along with the Governor of Manipur. Senior officials, including the Union Home Secretary and Directors General of Police from the North-Eastern states, participated.
Amit Shah emphasized the Central Government's commitment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a swift and transparent justice system, highlighting the necessity of promptly registering crimes to enhance law and order. He urged North-Eastern states to accelerate the implementation of the new criminal laws, asserting that full enforcement could significantly improve the region's law and order situation, facilitating justice within three years of an FIR. He also called for the elimination of political interference in registering sensitive cases and stressed the importance of training all police personnel on the new laws.
Amit Shah requested North-Eastern state Chief Ministers to hold monthly review meetings on law implementation and directed Police Directors General and Chief Secretaries to convene every 15 days. He emphasized the need for administration to reach grassroots levels, ensuring police stations become venues for justice, achievable only through the complete implementation of three new laws. He commended Assam for timely charge sheet filings in 66% of cases and encouraged others to adopt similar practices, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring.
The Home Minister called for urgent implementation of e-Sakshya and noted the necessity for sufficient scientific officers to ensure satisfactory forensic charge sheets. He advocated for the Trial in Absentia provision to facilitate the return of fugitive criminals. Additionally, Shri Shah stressed that strengthening the Directorate of Prosecution would simplify the process of delivering justice. Pointing out the shift in focus for North-Eastern police from combating insurgency, now nearly eradicated, he urged them to prioritize the protection of citizens' lives, property, and dignity, highlighting the government's thorough deliberation over the new laws introduced after 45 months.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
