Guwahati, March 16: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting in Guwahati today to assess the implementation status of three new criminal laws in the North-Eastern states. During the meeting, he also unveiled a book titled ‘New Criminal Laws: Standard Operating Procedures and Rules’, prepared by CID, Assam.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
The review focused on the implementation of new legal provisions related to policing, courts, forensics, prosecution, and prison administration in North-Eastern states. The meeting was attended by:
- Chief Ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim
- Governor of Manipur
- Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretaries, and Director Generals of Police (DGPs) of North-Eastern states
- Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), and National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
A Stronger and Transparent Justice System
Shri Amit Shah emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government is committed to delivering a fast and transparent justice system. He urged North-Eastern states to strengthen law and order by ensuring timely crime registration and effective implementation of the new criminal laws.
Major Directives by the Home Minister
No Political Interference: Shri Shah directed that cases related to terrorism, mob lynching, and organized crime should be registered without political interference.
Regular Review Meetings:
- Chief Ministers of North-Eastern states should hold monthly review meetings on law implementation.
- DGPs and Chief Secretaries should conduct reviews every 15 days to track progress.
Improved Police & Judiciary Coordination:
- 100% training of police personnel on the new criminal laws must be ensured.
- Charge sheets must be filed within 60-90 days, as successfully implemented in 66% of cases in Assam.
Strengthening Forensics & E-Governance:
- Urgent need for e-Sakshya implementation for better forensic investigations.
- Emphasized “Trial in Absentia” to prosecute fugitive criminals.
New Focus for North-East Police
Shri Amit Shah noted that while the North-Eastern police forces have historically focused on counter-insurgency, now that insurgency is nearly eradicated, their priority should shift towards protecting citizens’ lives, property, and dignity.
The Home Minister concluded by stating that the three new criminal laws introduced by the Modi government were developed over 45 months of extensive deliberations, and their full implementation will bring transformational changes in India’s justice system.
