India Gained Independence in 1947, But Not from British-Era Laws: UHM
Murder Convict Sentenced and Jailed in Just 112 Days Under New Criminal Laws
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that for many years, there was a prevailing perception among the people that justice in India was delayed and inaccessible. He said that under the new criminal laws, any FIR registered in 2026 will be fully resolved within three years, thereby ensuring timely justice for all citizens.
Amit Shah pointed out that the previous criminal laws were enacted by the British with the primary objective of maintaining their rule, not to safeguard the welfare of the Indian people. Although India achieved independence in 1947, the legal system remained rooted in colonial frameworks. Now, with the implementation of the three new criminal laws from July 1, 2024, a new era of justice has begun under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. On this occasion, he also released a book prepared by the Haryana Home Department on three new criminal laws.
The Union Home and Cooperation Minister was addressing a gathering in Kurukshetra on Friday after inaugurating an exhibition on the three new criminal laws. During his visit, he toured the exhibition and reviewed the positive impacts of the legal reforms. On the occasion, he also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects worth Rs. 825 crore.
Amit Shah said the new laws are designed to ensure justice, dignity, and protection of life and property, particularly for the poorest and most vulnerable citizens. Acknowledging that many had concerns about the practical outcomes of these reforms, he highlighted a recent case where a murder convict was tried, sentenced, and imprisoned within just 112 days under the new system. Earlier, those unable to afford bail often languished in jail for years. Under the new law, however, jail authorities are now mandated to file an application for remission of sentence once a prisoner has served one-third of their term.
He stated that under the old legal system, justice was served in only 40 percent of cases. However, following the implementation of the new criminal laws, this rate has increased to 80 percent. The police are now focusing on gathering evidence, which has doubled the rate of justice. The government has introduced several progressive provisions aimed at strengthening citizens’ rights, dignity, and the rule of law. Sh Shah said that the police are now prioritizing data collection over the use of force, and have shifted from third-degree interrogation methods to scientific evidence gathering.
He further explained that the new laws have digitally integrated all key components of the criminal justice system — including the police, prisons, judiciary, prosecution, and forensic departments — to ensure faster and more transparent outcomes. Dedicated legal provisions have also been introduced for the protection of women and children. Videography of all legal proceedings has been made mandatory, and forensic investigation is now compulsory for crimes carrying a sentence of more than seven years. In addition, the new laws include specific measures to address terrorism, mob lynching, cyber crimes, and ensure adherence to strict time limits for case resolution. With this integrated approach, the systems of policing, justice, and prosecution are now working in a cohesive and streamlined manner, he added.
Shah said that a new provision for trial in absentia has been introduced under the revised criminal laws. This provision allows for criminals who flee the country after committing an offence to be tried and even sentenced in their absence, ensuring they are no longer beyond the reach of justice. He emphasized that the era of “indefinite postponement of hearings” is now over, as the new legal framework guarantees that justice will be delivered within a maximum of three years.
Highlighting Haryana's progress, Shah said that 71% of chargesheets in the state have been filed within 60 days, significantly ahead of the stipulated 90-day timeline. He credited this achievement to extensive training programs conducted for police officers, court officials, support staff, lawyers, and public prosecutors, aimed at preparing all stakeholders for effective implementation of the new laws.
GST rates reduced on 365 items; citizens urged to buy indigenous products
Shah remarked that the recent reduction in GST rates on 365 items is a major relief and a significant gift to the people of the country. He urged every household and consumer to make a conscious choice to purchase indigenous products for their everyday needs, reinforcing the spirit of economic self-reliance. Sh Shah highlighted that the principle of ‘Swadeshi’, or self-reliance, was introduced by Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom movement, and it had a profound impact in resisting British rule. He said that when the people of India embraced this principle, it played a vital role in securing independence. He said that similar initiatives today will serve to strengthen the Indian economy and promote national growth. He further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, India’s economy has risen from the 11th to the 4th position globally, and a clear target has been set to make India the world's leading economy by 2047, coinciding with the centenary of independence.
Land of Kurukshetra Symbolizes the Triumph of Righteousness and Truth
Union Home and Cooperation Minister said that the land of Kurukshetra stands as a timeless symbol of the triumph of righteousness and truth over unrighteousness and falsehood. He praised the courage and patriotism of the women of Haryana, noting their immense contribution to the nation's security by sending their sons in large numbers to serve in the armed forces and paramilitary forces. He further highlighted the rich spiritual and intellectual heritage of the region, adding that the Vedas and Upanishads were composed on the banks of the sacred Saraswati River, underscoring Haryana’s deep-rooted connection to India’s ancient wisdom and cultural legacy.