India's Criminal Justice Overhaul: Delhi Police Adopts New Laws

Delhi Police is set to implement three new criminal laws nationwide from Monday, replacing the colonial-era statutes. Comprehensive training sessions and resources have been provided to officers. A special committee led by top police officials prepared study materials. Key changes include mandatory videography of evidence collection and a dedicated helpline.

The Delhi Police is poised to enact three groundbreaking criminal laws nationwide starting Monday, signaling the end of colonial-era judicial practices and introducing significant reforms in India's criminal justice system.

The new statutes, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, will replace the antiquated Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

A senior officer revealed that extensive training sessions were conducted, with attendees receiving handbooks for better comprehension of the new laws. Earlier this year, a 14-member committee, headed by Special Commissioner of Police Chhaya Sharma, was established to study and create training materials.

In preparation, Delhi Police underwent a 15-day trial registering dummy FIRs and uploading crime scene data using mobile devices on the e-Praman Application, enhancing transparency and accuracy in investigations.

Mandatory videography of the evidence collection process is one of the key changes aimed at preventing tampering. Additionally, the police force will benefit from helpline numbers dedicated to assisting Investigative Officers in understanding and applying the new laws.

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