NCRB teams are helping in the rollout of three criminal laws

Implementation of New Penal Codes in IndiaImplementation of New Penal Codes in India Ahead of the implementation of three new penal codes on July 1st that will replace existing laws, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has established support teams and call centers to monitor and assist states and Union Territories in the smooth implementation process. Training and Awareness To ensure effective implementation, over 40 lakh grassroots workers and 5.65 lakh officials have undergone training to raise awareness about the new laws: * Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (replaces Indian Penal Code) * Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (replaces Code of Criminal Procedure) * Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 (replaces Indian Evidence Act) Technological Enhancements The NCRB has made 23 functional changes to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS) application, which connects to police stations nationwide for case registration. Additionally, the National Informatics Center has developed mobile applications (eSakshya, NyayShruti, and eSummon) to facilitate: * Videography and photography of crime scenes * Electronic delivery of judicial summons * Judicial hearings Training and Capacity Building * The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) has developed training modules and conducted training courses for over 40,000 officers and staff. * The iGOT-Karmayogi Bharat and BPR&D offer training courses on the new laws with over 200,000 civil servants registered. Public Sensitization * The Ministries of Women and Child Development, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj have conducted webinars with over 40 lakh local officials to inform the public about the new laws. * The Department of Legal Affairs has organized conferences in state capitals, featuring prominent judicial figures and experts. Key Implementation Preparations * 36 support teams and call centers established by the NCRB * Training of grassroots workers and officials * Technological enhancements to the CCTNS app * Development of mobile applications for evidence gathering and summons issuance * Collaboration with key ministries for public awareness

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the rollout of the three newly enacted penal codes that will replace the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the British-era Indian Evidence Act from July 1, sources in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has formed 36 support teams and set up call centres for continuous monitoring and surveillance of the states and Union Territories for their smooth implementation.

According to the sources, 40 lakh grassroots workers and 5.65 lakh police, prison, forensic, judicial and public prosecutor officials have been trained to create awareness about the new laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023.

They said that as the new laws have emphasized the widespread use of new technology in investigations, trials and judicial proceedings, the NCRB has made 23 functional changes in the existing Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS)- application. The application is connected to almost all police stations in the country and the cases are now registered under it, she added.

The National Informatics Center has also developed apps – eSakshya, NyayShruti and eSummon – to facilitate videography and photography of crime scenes, judicial hearings and electronic delivery of summons under the new criminal laws, they said.

Sources said the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) has developed training modules for capacity building. These have been shared with states and UTs. On its own, the BPR&D has conducted 250 training courses, webinars and seminars in which 40,317 officers and staff have been trained.

Sources also said that the iGOT-Karmayogi Bharat and BPR&D are offering three training courses each on the new criminal laws, for which 2,17,985 civil servants have registered.

As part of the Home Ministry’s efforts to sensitize the general public about the three new penal laws, the Ministries of Women and Child Development, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj have been involved. They have taken several measures, including holding webinars, in which nearly 40 lakh officials at the local level participated, the sources said.

The Department of Legal Affairs under the Ministry of Law and Justice has also organized four conferences in state capitals. Delegates from various fields including the Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court and High Court judges and domain experts participated.

Training & preparations

The NCRB has formed 36 support teams and set up call centres to guide states and UTs in implementing the laws
40 lakh grassroots workers and 5.65 lakh police, prison, forensic, judicial and prosecution officials have been trained to create awareness
23 changes in the CCTNS app, which is connected to all police stations. Cases are registered in the app
eSakshya, NyayShruti and eSummon apps developed to facilitate videography and photography of crime scenes, judicial hearings and electronic issuance of judicial summons

The 3 Laws