New Delhi:As the new criminal laws came into force on Monday, Chhaya Sharma, Delhi Police Special CP (Training), stated that over 45,000 officers in the force have been trained for the change.
The Special CP mentioned that special booklets have been prepared to ease the implementation process. The three new criminal laws, namely Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860; the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973; and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, which came into effect from Monday.
"FIRs will be registered under these sections from today. Our training for this began on February 5. We prepared booklets that helped us easily train our officers so they can be prepared for the coming changes," the Special CP said. "The pocket booklet, divided into four parts, contains the transition from IPC to BNS, new sections added to BNS, categories that now come under seven years of punishment, and a table containing sections needed for everyday policing," she said.
CP Sharma stated that the first round of training was provided to the IOs in all stations and also to potential IOs who might be posted in major stations in the future. "Now, at least 45,000 officers in the Delhi Police are trained and ready for the changes introduced by the new criminal laws. We have also established a team to assist officers with any questions regarding the implementation of these laws. This team serves as an FAQ resource, providing support and clarification as needed during the implementation process," CP Sharma said.
She also highlighted that the best part of the new system is that it focuses on 'justice' rather than 'punishment' with a victim-centric approach. "For the first time, great emphasis has been given to digital evidence. Now, the evidence will be recorded digitally. The role of forensic experts has been enhanced," she added.
She further said that old cases registered under the IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act will be tried under the same old laws until final disposal. "Law doesn't function on a retrospective basis. So, the law is that the old cases (registered earlier) will be dealt with under IPC and CrPC. But when new cases are registered from today, July 1, sections of BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) will be invoked. Similarly, the process of investigation that begins today will follow Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and not CrPC. Old cases will be dealt with under old sections - CrPC and IPC. New cases will be dealt with sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)," she said.