CM Ensures 100% Enforcement of Three New Criminal Laws by February 28
Chandigarh, February 10 – In a crucial move aimed at strengthening the criminal justice system in Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini chaired a key meeting with senior officers from the Home, Police, Prisons, Prosecution, and Forensic departments to review the implementation of three new criminal laws. The CM emphasized the need for 100 percent enforcement of these laws by February 28, underscoring that the provisions are already being enforced in many areas.
The new laws, designed to streamline legal processes, enhance forensic capabilities, and ensure swift justice for victims, require comprehensive training for personnel and the integration of modern technologies. CM Saini directed that police stations across the state be equipped with high-speed internet to facilitate efficient communication and case handling. He also stressed the importance of making arrangements for court appearances and testimonies through video conferencing, a measure aimed at improving efficiency and reducing delays in the judicial process.
Additionally, the CM emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of Zero FIR cases, which allows victims of crime to file an FIR regardless of where the incident occurred. This provision ensures timely legal action and prevents delays in justice. He further instructed that inter-state Zero FIRs be carefully tracked, ensuring prompt action and delivery of justice without any bureaucratic hold-ups.
As part of the law’s broader scope, the Chief Minister also called for the expansion of forensic capabilities in the state. Currently, 23 mobile forensic science units are operational, with plans to increase that number to 40. These mobile units will assist in gathering crucial evidence from crime scenes, further enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of investigations.
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary to Government of Haryana, Home, Dr. Sumita Misra, provided an update on the progress of the new criminal laws. She informed the Chief Minister that most provisions have already been implemented. The Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) has been fully integrated with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), allowing for a more streamlined and efficient approach to managing criminal cases. The system has facilitated the online submission of charge sheets to courts, speeding up the legal process.
Dr. Misra also highlighted the use of the E-Sakshya App, which maintains a digital record of all evidence, including audio and video, in criminal cases. Additionally, forensic teams have visited 100 percent of crime scenes, ensuring that no case is left without proper evidence collection. The digitalization of evidence has already brought about significant improvements in case management.
DGP Sh. Shatrujeet Kapur added that e-summons are being issued in approximately 60 percent of criminal cases, and efforts are underway to increase this number before the February deadline. Furthermore, video conferencing has been employed in 77 percent of cases for presenting the accused before the court, resulting in substantial time and cost savings for the judicial system.
The Chief Minister, in conclusion, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that these laws are fully implemented by the end of the month, stressing that timely justice is a priority for his administration. He also called for a collaborative effort between all concerned departments to ensure the successful and seamless execution of these initiatives.
The meeting, attended by Chief Secretary Dr. Vivek Joshi, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, and senior officials from the concerned departments, reflects the Haryana government’s proactive stance in transforming the state’s criminal justice infrastructure to align with modern standards of fairness, speed, and transparency. The full implementation of these laws will not only enhance the state’s legal framework but also ensure that victims of crime receive justice in a timely manner.
