Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurates a state-level exhibition on New Criminal Laws in Kurukshetra, Haryana.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation  Amit Shah inaugurated a state-level exhibition on new criminal laws in Kurukshetra, Haryana, and dedicated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects of the Haryana government. On this occasion, Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, and several other dignitaries were present.

In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the Nayab Singh Saini government has inaugurated 4 development projects worth approximately 900 crore rupees and laid the foundation stone for 8 projects today. He said that for the third consecutive time, the people of Haryana have given us a majority, and our governments have left no stone unturned in the development of Haryana. First in the history of Haryana, our government has worked with a broad vision, free from narrow perspectives, to provide governance for every district and community. Shri Shah said that in a state like Haryana, once notorious for job allocation through favoritism, today jobs are provided solely on the basis of merit, without “kharchi” (bribery) or “parchi” (nepotism) , this is a major achievement of our government.

Amit Shah stated that a grand exhibition has been organized here today to share information about the three new criminal laws introduced by the Modi government, which have replaced the three criminal laws enacted by the British. The Home Minister expressed confidence that after 2026, every FIR will be fully resolved approximately within three years. He noted that the old laws were made by the British with the purpose of maintaining their colonial rule.  Shah remarked that while we gained independence on August 15, 1947, we were not freed from the laws enacted by the British Parliament. Under the leadership of Prime Minister  Narendra Modi, a new era of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita began on July 1, 2024, by abolishing the three British-era laws. He emphasized that these new laws are grounded in ensuring justice rather than punishment and protecting the rights guaranteed to even the poorest citizens of the country by our Constitution.

Union Home Minister stated that previously, due to the inability to secure bail, criminals would remain in jail for years without conviction. However, now, after completing one-third of their sentence, the police themselves appeal for their release. Shah said that earlier, the conviction rate in Haryana was around 40 per cent, but with the implementation of the new laws, the conviction rate has doubled, exceeding 80 per cent.

Amit Shah said that the new laws have been crafted based on the three principles given by Prime Minister Modi: Citizen First, Dignity First, and Justice First. He also said that while Prime Minister Modi has brought reforms in many sectors in India, the most significant reform of the 21^st century is the three new laws of our criminal justice system. He highlighted that today, our police work with data instead of batons and scientific evidence instead of third-degree methods. Through these laws, the five pillars of the criminal justice system—police, jails, judiciary, prosecution, and forensics—have been interconnected online. Shah said that the new laws include a separate chapter for women and children. With the introduction of E-FIR and Zero FIR, women no longer need to visit police stations. Videography of all seizures has been made mandatory, and the chain of custody for evidence has been ensured. Additionally, forensic investigation has been made compulsory for all offenses carrying a punishment of seven years or more.

Union Home Minister stated that for the first time, the new criminal laws have defined offenses such as terrorism, organized crime, and mob lynching. Additionally, timelines have been set for the police, judiciary, and prosecution for the first time. He said that a provision for Trial in Absentia has been introduced for criminals who flee the country.   Shah noted that within one year of the implementation of the new criminal laws, approximately 53 per cent of FIRs had charge-sheets filed within 60 days, and 65 per cent within 90 days. In Haryana, 71 percent of charge-sheets were filed within 60 days, and 83 per cent within 90 days, indicating initial success.

Amit Shah stated that the Union Home Ministry, Government of India has trained 14.8 lakh police personnel, 42,000 jail officers, 19,000 court-related personnel, and 11,000 public prosecutors through an intensive training program.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation stated that the call for self-reliance given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pave the way for creating a great India by 2047. He said that if 140 crore Indians buy products made in our country, India will become the world’s largest market, and our economy will progress. Shri Shah emphasized that by 2047, India will be at the forefront in every field globally, and the path to this goal lies through self-reliance and indigenization. Producing within the country, increasing production, and every Indian purchasing domestically made goods is the key to elevating India to the top position in the world. Shri Shah urged the people of Haryana to take a pledge on Diwali to use only products made in India, as this will fulfill Prime Minister Modi’s vision of self-reliance.