Amit Shah Marks 'Golden Year of Trust in Justice System' with Key Address on New Criminal Laws New Delhi,

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed a landmark event titled “A Golden Year of Trust in the Justice System” in New Delhi, commemorating one year since the implementation of India’s new criminal laws. The occasion marked a significant transformation in the country’s justice system, aimed at delivering accessible, time-bound, and citizen-centric justice.

Joined by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Shri V.K. Saxena, Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, and other dignitaries, Shri Shah emphasized that these reforms—enacted under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi—represent the beginning of a golden era of governance grounded in social, economic, and political justice.

The three new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023—have replaced colonial-era legislations, including the IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act. Shah said the goal of the new laws is not mere punishment but the delivery of justice, with a focus on speed, transparency, and technology.

Highlighting how the reforms shift public sentiment, Shah stated, “People will no longer fear filing an FIR. The mindset will now be that FIR leads to prompt justice.” He pointed out that strict timelines have been imposed on the police, prosecution, and judiciary to ensure that investigations and trials do not drag on indefinitely. The laws mandate completion of investigations within 90 days and include deadlines for filing charge sheets and delivering judgments.

Shah announced that over 14.8 lakh police personnel, 42,000 prison staff, 19,000 judicial officers, and 11,000 public prosecutors have been trained in the past year. He praised Delhi for being the top-performing state in implementing the new laws.

Technology plays a central role in the reform. The government has launched e-Sakshya, e-Summons, and Nyaya Shruti across several states and union territories, while community service has been introduced as a new form of punishment. A new National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) and mandatory forensic tests in serious crimes aim to raise the conviction rate and eliminate loopholes.

The laws also introduce first-ever definitions for terrorism and organized crime and strengthen protection for women and children, reflecting a more inclusive and responsive justice system. Shah also announced the creation of a Director of Prosecution, a new post aimed at boosting legal effectiveness.

Shri Shah underscored the participatory nature of the legal overhaul, noting that suggestions were invited from governors, chief ministers, judges, legal scholars, and police officers. He personally held over 160 consultations, making the reforms a product of nationwide consensus.

“This is the most significant justice reform since Independence,” Shah concluded, urging public awareness as essential for real empowerment. “A transparent and time-bound justice system is the strongest protector of citizens' rights,” he said, reaffirming the Modi government’s commitment to justice for all.