Assam marked a historic moment as the first case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, was registered at Nagaon Police Station on July 1. This development follows the announcement by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, who declared the replacement of colonial-era laws with three new criminal laws in the State.
During a press conference, CM Himanta stated, “Today we have replaced colonial laws in Bharat with three new laws. At 12:32 pm, the first case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, was registered in Nagaon.”
Highlighting the State’s preparedness, the CM explained, “We have taken adequate measures to implement these new criminal laws. Over the past few months, 115 master trainers of Assam Police have been dedicated to this task. Under Nyaya Sanhita, the use of forensic evidence has been made mandatory, and we have already established five forensic labs in Assam.”
He stressed on the extensive training provided to law enforcement and judicial officers, ensuring a smooth transition to the new laws. “Assam Police, along with the State Government and judicial officers, have received proper training to adopt these criminal laws. We are well equipped to handle the criminal justice system in this new context,” affirmed CM Himanta.
Reflecting on the significance of this shift, the CM remarked, “Today is a very important day in the nation’s journey to decolonise ourselves. We started this journey in 1947, and today we have achieved an important milestone. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will transform our criminal justice system from punitive to justice-oriented.”
He concluded by saying, “We have democratised our criminal laws, marking a significant milestone in our nation’s progress.”
