Amit Shah unveils ‘Nav Vidhan’, transforming Rajasthan’s justice system

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated the exhibition “Nav Vidhan: A New Identity of Justice” at JECC, Sitapura, Jaipur. Organised by the Rajasthan Government, the exhibition aims to familiarise citizens with India’s new criminal laws and demonstrate how the justice system is evolving to become faster, more transparent, and citizen-friendly. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court Sanjeev Prakash Sharma were also present.

The exhibition, structured in three phases across ten zones, takes visitors through the entire criminal justice process. The first phase explains crime reporting and investigation, with models of police stations, control rooms, and crime scenes. The second phase focuses on scientific and legal verification, showcasing hospitals, forensic labs, and public prosecutors. The final phase guides visitors through court procedures, including district courts, high courts, and prisons, while highlighting key features of the new criminal laws under the theme “Justice First.”

Shah highlighted that the reforms, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are designed to ensure timely, accessible, and simple justice. “Our judicial system has developed a reputation for not delivering justice in a timely manner. The three criminal justice laws will ensure faster and more citizen-centric justice. Along with other initiatives, there will be a significant improvement in the ease of justice,” he said.

He explained that any First Information Report (FIR) filed after 2027 will be addressed by the Supreme Court within three years, and full implementation of the system is expected to take two years thereafter. Shah cited Rajasthan’s rising conviction rate—from 42% to 60% within a year of implementing the new laws,and projected that it could reach up to 90% once fully operational. He attributed these improvements to scientific methods, modernised procedures, and the development of trained forensic professionals through the National Forensic Science University.

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, making India’s criminal justice system more scientific, efficient, and citizen-centric.

During the event, Shah also launched 56 forensic science laboratory vehicles and 100 scooters and motorcycles for women’s safety patrols. Additionally, he inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth Rs 9,315 crore, signalling a broader commitment to infrastructure and public services in Rajasthan.

Through Nav Vidhan, the government seeks to make citizens aware of these reforms and demonstrate how technology, stricter timelines, and modern procedures are reshaping India’s criminal justice system to deliver justice quickly, fairly, and efficiently.