Amit Shah inaugurates exhibition on new criminal laws in Rajasthan

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated an exhibition on new criminal laws in Rajasthan, highlighting that the reforms are designed to ensure timely, accessible, and simple justice and to make India’s criminal justice system operate by justice rather than punishment. The event was held in Jaipur and addressed a public gathering.

Speaking at the exhibition, Shah reflected on the historical delays in the Indian judicial system and emphasised that the new laws will significantly improve the speed and accessibility of justice. “Our judicial system has developed a reputation for not delivering justice in a timely manner. I am confident in telling the people of Rajasthan that the three criminal justice laws will ensure timely, accessible, and simple justice. PM Modi has made numerous changes for ease of living, and along with the implementation of these laws, there will also be a significant change in the ease of justice,” he stated.

Shah explained that the new criminal laws, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are already being implemented across the country, with support and guidance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. He outlined that any First Information Report (FIR) filed after 2027 will be addressed by the Supreme Court within three years. The complete implementation of the system is expected to take two years following 2027.

Highlighting improvements in conviction rates, Shah said that in Rajasthan, the conviction rate has risen from 42 per cent to 60 per cent within one year of implementing the new laws. He projected that, upon full implementation, conviction rates could reach up to 90 per cent. Shah attributed these improvements to the use of scientific methods and modernised legal procedures introduced by the new laws.

The Minister also detailed the National Forensic Science University, established in 2020, as a key component in modernising India’s justice system. By opening affiliated colleges across the country, the government is developing a new workforce of youth trained in scientific methods for criminal investigation. The new legal framework now explicitly defines offences such as terrorism, mob lynching, organised crime, and digital crime, which were previously not distinctly addressed in the colonial-era legal system.

Shah further explained that the laws prescribe strict time limits at more than 29 stages in criminal proceedings. Under these rules, victims are to receive updates within 90 days, copies of police reports within 14 days, and charge sheets must be filed within 60–90 days. The laws also provide for trial in absentia under specified circumstances.

The three new laws Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act (BNS), 2023, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSS), 2023, and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSSS), 2023 replace over 160-year-old colonial-era laws, modernising India’s criminal justice system and making it more citizen-centric and scientifically robust.

In addition to launching the exhibition, Amit Shah also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 9,315 crore, marking a broader commitment to infrastructure and public service improvements in the state.