‘Days of tarikh pe tarikh over’: Modi dedicates new criminal laws to nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi here today said Chandigarh was the first among states and UTs to “fully implement” the three new criminal laws, emphasising the days of ‘tarikh pe tarikh’ or prolonged trial for criminals were no longer possible under the modernised legal framework.

Speaking during an event at Punjab Engineering College, the PM, who was accompanied by Home Minister Amit Shah, dedicated to the nation the successful implementation of the three new criminal laws.

Citing an example of speedy justice, PM Modi said an accused got punishment in just two months in a vehicle theft case in Chandigarh. “Likewise, in Delhi, an accused got a 20-year sentence in 60 days after the registration of an FIR. In Bihar, an accused got life imprisonment in 14 days in a murder case,” the PM said, stressing the significance of reforms to replace the outdated Colonial-era legislation with contemporary and citizen-centric laws.

Amid chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” from the audience, Modi said he always felt “among his own” whenever he visited Chandigarh. He said the city drew its name and identity from Goddess Chandi, the divine power that signified truth and justice. He said the same philosophy underpinned the BNS and the BNSS.

Modi said the implementation of the new laws marked a pivotal step towards a more transparent, efficient and responsive justice system. During his 35-minute speech, the PM emphasised the legal reforms were designed to bolster public trust by ensuring timely justice, minimising legal delays and enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement.

Labelling the criminal laws introduced by the Britishers before Independence as “a means of oppression and exploitation”, he said the Nyaya Sanhita, on the other hand, was woven with the ideals of equality, harmony and social justice. “The IPC was introduced in 1860, consequent to the country’s first major freedom struggle in 1857. A few years later, the Evidence Act came in. And then the CRPC. The purpose of these laws was to punish and enslave Indians… Despite changes in the laws from time to time, their character remained the same,” he said.

Under the new laws, he said, charges in heinous crimes like rape would be framed within 60 days from the first date of hearing and it was mandatory to pronounce the verdict within 45 days of the completion of the hearing. During the event, a live demonstration of the process of collecting evidence and recording statements was given by the Chandigarh Police to the PM.

The programme showcased the practical application of the new laws. The PM commended Chandigarh’s proactive approach, saying it set an example for other states and UTs. The Home Minister said since the implementation of the new criminal laws, more than 11 lakh FIRs had been registered across the country and 9,500 cases had been decided.

Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria and Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu were among others present on the occasion.