“New criminal laws aim to deliver justice, not just punishment”

New Delhi : The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) celebrated its 54th Foundation Day with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan emphasizing the citizen-centric reforms of new criminal laws designed to deliver justice and modernize India’s law enforcement framework.

Citizen-centric reforms highlighted

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan delivered Dr Anandswarup Gupta Memorial Lecture on the theme “New Criminal Laws – Citizen Centric Reforms”. Delivering the memorial lecture, Mohan stressed the requirement for contemporary and relevant jurisprudence for law enforcement agencies to break the shackles of colonialism, in keeping with the ‘Panch Pran’ given by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and to address the evolving nature of crime. Home Secretary said that new criminal laws brought under the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah are victim centric and purpose of these laws is to give justice not punishment.

Focus on modernization and effective policing

Mohan stressed the importance of effective policing, law and order, and crime prevention as essential components for India’s economic growth. He lauded the Bureau’s role in police modernization and capacity building, crucial for India’s aspiration to become the third-largest economy globally.

Union Home Secretary highlighted various key features and new provisions of the laws, especially those related to citizen friendly measures such as zero FIR and e-FIR, introduction of community service as a new form of punishment, more lenient treatment of first time offenders. He said that many new provisions such as introduction of organized crime and terrorism; introduction of new penalties; emphasis on tackling offences against women and children; greater scientific approach towards evidence collection and processing have also been introduced. Mohan added that enhanced utilization of forensics; increased digitization of the investigation process; earmarked timelines for the justice delivery process; and streamlining of various procedures for transparency; accountability and timely redressal have also been incorporated in new laws.

Role of BPR&D and new criminal laws

Govind Mohan said that in order for India to become the third largest economy in the world, effective policing, effective law and order, and effective action against crimes and criminals are necessary. He said that the role of BPR&D in police modernization and upgradation is of paramount importance.

Congratulating the Bureau, the Union Home Secretary emphasized its importance as the only Central Police Organization that connects all other police organizations and State/UT police forces through its role as the Think Tank of the Indian police, for promotion of excellence in policing through research, modernization, training and capacity building. He especially applauded the great efforts towards training and publicity made by BPR&D for the implementation of the New Criminal Laws, which have resulted in training of more than 9 lakh stakeholders across the spectrum of criminal justice system.

A Special Edition of the Indian Police Journal, BPR&D’s flagship publication, on the theme of New Criminal Laws, was released by the Union Home Secretary on the occasion. A documentary produced by the Doordarshan on the new laws was also released by Govind Mohan.

Recognition of distinguished Services

At the event, the Union Home Secretary also honoured the recipients of the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and President’s Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) for the years 2023 and 2024.

On this occasion, Director General, BPR&D, Rajeev Kumar Sharma thanked the Union Home minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah for his continuous support and guidance to the organization.

Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) Pankaj Kumar Singh; the Director Generals of CRPF, BSF, ITBP, NDRF, RPF, NHRC, NTRO; Director, NIA; Director, NCRB; Commissioner of Delhi Police; DG (Awards) MHA; former Director Generals of BPR&D, among others were also present on the occasion.