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.
