Come Monday, the three newly-enacted criminal laws will become operational. And the onus is now on the state governments across the country for a smooth transition at the ground level.
From July 1, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) will be implemented.
Here are some of the major structural changes that need to take place on the ground for the new laws to be fully effective:
Establishment of Forensic Laboratories
According to the new laws, the state plays a crucial role in framing rules related to adequate infrastructure for setting up forensic laboratories for smooth investigations by police officers.
Under the new laws, Clause 176(3) introduces a key requirement in the procedure for investigation and the collection of forensic evidence from crime scenes by a forensic expert.
To assist the states, the Centre has approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES) to include the establishment of more National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) campuses and the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) facilities across the country, besides enhancing infrastructure at the NFSU-Delhi campus.
This was done to meet the growing demand for forensics in the investigation of crimes under the new criminal laws, as they provide for mandatory forensic examination of the crime scene and evidence for offences punishable with imprisonment of seven years or more.
Moreover, the increase in forensic laboratories will also ensure that the investigating agency secures more convictions, which is currently lacking due to the huge backlog in labs across the country.
Implementation of Witness Protection Scheme
The new laws mandate all state governments to implement a witness protection scheme to ensure the safety and cooperation of witnesses, thereby enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of legal proceedings.
Audio & Video Recording of Statements
The new law mandates states to have proper infrastructure for the audio and video recording of statements of victims and to keep all recordings safe and secure to prevent tampering.
States Prepare Mini-Booklets for Judges & Police Officers
Many state governments have prepared pocket-sized booklets detailing the three laws as a ready-reckoner, with old and new sections on the same page. These booklets will be helpful for judges as well as police officers during the months following the transition.
Source Agencies
