Shah sets March 31 deadline for implementation of new criminal laws in Haryana

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday directed the Haryana Government to ensure 100% implementation of the three new criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — by March 31, 2025. These laws, which replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Indian Evidence Act of 1872, came into effect on July 1, 2023.

Shah issued the directive during a review meeting attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Chief Secretary and the DGP. He took stock of the implementation status of various provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution and forensics in the state.

Calling the new laws "protectors of civil rights" and foundational to the "ease of justice," Shah emphasised using technology to streamline the justice system. He recommended deploying more than one forensic mobile van in each district and assigning a DSP-rank officer to monitor Zero FIRs and their translation into other languages.

“The DGP must ensure that all police personnel are sensitised to prioritise timely justice,” Shah stressed. He also directed that SPs investigate cases within prescribed timelines and suggested that Saini conduct progress reviews every 15 days, while the Chief Secretary and DGP hold weekly reviews with relevant officials.

Shah underlined the importance of the laws in modernising the criminal justice system and ensuring swift and efficient legal processes.