Three new criminal laws biggest reforms of 21st century: Shah

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah today described the three newly implemented criminal laws as “the biggest reform of the 21st century.”

Shah inaugurated and visited a state-level exhibition here showcasing the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. He also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 825 crore across multiple departments.

Addressing the gathering, Shah said people had long perceived justice as a delayed process, but the new framework would change that. “People have a perception that they will not get justice for years, but I am confident that FIRs will be disposed of and justice ensured within three years, on an average, after 2026,” he said.

He contrasted the new laws with those framed during British rule. “The earlier laws were prepared by the British to maintain their rule, not for the welfare of Indian citizens. Earlier, conviction in Haryana was possible in only 40% of cases due to lack of scientific evidence. With the new laws, the conviction rate has jumped to over 80%,” Shah said.

Giving credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Home Minister said, “Without any doubt, I can say that the enactment of three new criminal laws is the biggest reform among the reforms of the 21st century introduced by PM Modi. Instead of danda (stick), our police are working with data and instead of third degree, they are relying on scientific evidence.”

Taking a swipe at Opposition parties, Shah said, “Earlier, development under previous governments was restricted to certain districts. The BJP government is ensuring equal development across all sections of society and all districts.” He also called the end of the “kharchi-parchi” system in Haryana a major achievement. “Some people had ruined the job recruitment system and Haryana was infamous. The BJP ended that and started giving jobs on merit,” he said.

He urged law students and advocates to visit the exhibition, adding, “Under the new laws, there will be no ‘tareeq pe tareeq’. Justice will be delivered within three years.”

Shah further underlined the importance of economic self-reliance. “Every consumer should give priority to swadeshi products. This will make India the number one economy by 2047,” he said.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that the exhibition, which was earlier scheduled to conclude on October 7, would be extended till October 11 on Shah’s directions. Saini said Haryana was proud to implement the new laws in a short time and achieve a conviction rate of 82.6%. “Under Amit Shah’s leadership, the country has witnessed historic decisions, from the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A to the introduction of these landmark laws,” he added.

Several state ministers, BJP leaders and MP Naveen Jindal were present on the occasion.