New criminal laws capable to effectively deal with terrorism: ADGP Jain

Jammu, July 1: Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu zone Anand Jain Monday stated that new criminal laws would enhance accountability, transparency in police functioning and were also capable enough to effectively deal with the scourge of terrorism in J&K.

Reference was to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam replacing Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Indian Evidence Act respectively from July 1.

Responding to media queries on the sidelines of a “Thana Diwas” function here in Jammu ADGP Jammu said, “These new laws are bringing two significant changes in the criminal justice system. Their focus is on disseminating justice instead of punishment and secondly to provide security (to the victims). These are very important aspects of any criminal justice system and special attention has been given to them in the new laws.”

“You would have noticed that these laws have brought a transformation in the legal process and in the police functioning. They have infused more transparency in the police functioning. If I talk in terms of organised crimes in Jammu division, these laws will further strengthen the police to deal with them (organised crimes and criminals). They (new laws) also contain a provision of forfeiture of the property. This will help us take effective action against them (criminals),” ADGP said.

He admitted that they (new laws) would pose a challenge for them (police) to tackle with heavy influx of complaints yet stated that it would add a new dash of accountability (in the police force) as well.

“Yes, that challenge will remain there but that will also raise our accountability vis-a-vis expeditious and timely disposal of those complaints. There is a time period of fifteen days to conduct investigation and take action,” he said.

Responding to a query about the efficacy of these laws to tackle with challenge of terrorism, its ecosystem in J&K, ADGP said, “These laws are fully capable to record evidence and take effective action against those supporting terrorists in any manner.”

He stated, “These laws also have a provision whereby the people can be informed as to what action has been taken on their complaints. They have to be apprised about the action taken on their complaints within 90 and we will have to specify reason also in case of prosecution withdrawal. These are far-reaching changes which will bring more transparency and accountability in the functioning of police.”

He asserted that the JKP was fully ready to ensure effective implementation of the new laws. In response to a question about a special portal to facilitate people, he informed that there was a provision of zero FIR. “This is aimed at facilitating people. The people can lodge a complaint from anywhere online and seek effective remedy,” he said.

Thana Diwas was celebrated across Jammu district, marking the implementation of three new criminal laws. In this connection, functions were held in all the Police Stations of Jammu district. ADGP Jammu zone presided over these implementation ceremonies at Police Station Gandhi Nagar, Pacca Danga and Domana.

He was accompanied by DIG JSK Range Dr Sunil Gupta, SSP Jammu Dr Vinod Kumar and concerned Zonal SsP in addition to other police officers.

On this occasion, ADGP Jammu said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our nation's legal history as we witness the commencement of three transformative new criminal laws. They symbolize a break from the centuries-old shackles of our colonial legacy and usher in a new era of justice and equality for all.”

“They would liberate the country's criminal justice system from the colonial-era mindset and will aim to revamp the country's criminal justice system and bring it out of the colonial-era mindset in a move that will completely overhaul the criminal justice system in the country.”

ADGP also appreciated the efforts of the Jammu Police in ensuring the safety and security of the citizens and encouraged the officers to continue their dedication towards their duties.

The primary focus of Thana Diwas was to enhance police-public relations and to address grievances and issues faced by the community members.

The participants were appraised about the implementation of new laws and their salient features.