Police register first FIRs under 3 new criminal laws

Srinagar, July 1: As three new criminal laws come into effect across the country, the Jammu and Kashmir Police promptly began implementing the ‘Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’, ‘Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita’, and ‘Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam’ by registering cases in various districts of Kashmir.

The first of these FIRs was lodged at the Police Station Bijbehara in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

The three new laws replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, the Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC) of 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872- the laws that, despite several amendments, often seemed antiquated in the face of contemporary challenges.

The new legal framework is designed to address the complexities of modern crime, ensure swifter justice, and enhance the efficiency of the legal system.

The case in Anantnag, documented as FIR No 143/2024, was registered under Sections 125(a) and 281 of the BNS 2023.

“This sets a vital precedent for the implementation of the new criminal law framework and underscores the swift and decisive action taken by the Police in Anantnag to uphold the law and ensure justice for all,” Police said.

In north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the Police registered the first FIR under BNS against illegal mining activities.

The FIR, registered at Police Station Kreeri as FIR No 93/2024 was filed under Sections 303(2) and 329(3) of the BNS 2023.

Police in Baramulla emphasised their commitment to combating illegal mining and maintaining law and order, marking this as a significant milestone in Kashmir.

In south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, an FIR was registered at Police Station Yaripora following a written complaint from a woman.

According to the complaint, Muhammad Umer and several others attacked and beat her, resulting in injuries.

The case, documented as FIR No 47/2024, was filed under Sections 74 and 115(2) of the BNS 2023.

The Police have begun an investigation into the incident.

The swift registration of these FIRs demonstrates the J&K Police’s readiness to adapt to the new legal framework and their ongoing commitment to maintaining law and order in the region.

The registration of FIRs under the BNS in Anantnag, Baramulla, and Kulgam districts is a testament to the readiness of the J&K Police to adapt to this new era.

The BNS is not just a replacement but an upgrade to the legal framework.

It aims to be more inclusive, considering the nuances of modern societal issues and crimes that were not envisaged in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The streamlined procedures and updated definitions within the BNS are expected to lead to faster resolution of cases and more effective justice delivery.

Meanwhile, Police Station Sopore registered its first FIR under BNS.

In a landmark move, as the new criminal code, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) came into force on Monday, the first FIR by Sopore Police was registered at the Police Station, Panzalla in the jurisdiction of Police district Sopore.

The case has been registered at Police Station Panzalla under FIR No 25/2024 under Section 223, 303 (ii) and 326A of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.