Control Crime Through Implementation of New Criminal Laws – CM Devendra Fadnavis

Strengthen the Network of Forensic Science Laboratories; CM Reviews Implementation of New Criminal Laws

Mumbai : The three new criminal laws – Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam – have come into effect. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed that these laws be effectively implemented to control criminal activities. He also instructed the strengthening of the forensic science laboratory network across the state.

CM Fadnavis emphasized the completion of all training for police officers related to these new laws and recommended the introduction of refresher courses. The new laws give high priority to the use of advanced technology for crime detection and conviction, which is expected to significantly increase the conviction rate in the state.

He noted that forensic evidence is often collected from hospitals and medical colleges, and therefore forensic labs should be set up at these locations. He also called for an increase in bandwidth under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) 2.0 to enhance coordination and evidence tracking for inter-state crimes.

In Maharashtra, forensic evidence examination has been made mandatory for crimes punishable with more than 7 years of imprisonment. Currently, 65% of such cases utilize forensic evidence. The CM urged to increase this percentage for crimes punishable with less than 7 years as well. He also suggested providing tablets to investigating officers for effective forensic data handling and directed that the process of purchasing these devices be expedited.

To bring efficiency in judicial processes, CM Fadnavis suggested the implementation of e-summons and e-witness initiatives with court approval. He also recommended that prisoners be given greater access to communicate with their families via video conferencing, and proposed exploring the possibility of e-courts for speedy trials with judicial consent.

The meeting was attended by Iqbal Singh Chahal, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department; Rashmi Shukla, Director General of Police; Suvarna Kewale, Principal Secretary of Law and Judiciary Department; Shrikar Pardeshi, Secretary to the CM; and Suhas Varke, Additional DGP of Prisons and Reforms Department, among others.