Guwahati, 20th May: During the recent two-day conference titled ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System,’ Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria emphasized the implementation of three new criminal laws designed to modernize and humanize India’s legal framework. Organized by the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, the conference focused on the significant shift these laws represent from the remnants of the British colonial heritage.
Governor Kataria, in his valedictory address, highlighted the nationwide rollout of these laws starting July 1. He underscored specific provisions aimed at addressing hit-and-run cases, crimes against women, and the abolition of sedition laws, showcasing a more humane approach to criminal justice.
“These laws represent a major departure from the earlier colonial laws, instilling pride in every Indian by shedding the remnants of colonial legal heritage, not only in Assam but throughout the region,” remarked Governor Kataria.
Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi of the Gauhati High Court echoed this sentiment, describing the new laws as a progressive step in modernizing the country’s legal system. He highlighted the importance of evaluating their effectiveness over time to ensure they meet their intended goals.
Justice Manas Ranjan Pathak of the Gauhati High Court emphasized the need for public education and comprehensive training for those implementing the new laws, to align them with their underlying philosophy and spirit.
Justice Mir Alfaz Ali, Vice-Chancellor of the National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam, stressed the importance of a mindset shift among enforcers. He advocated for transitioning from a colonial to a nationalistic and citizen-centric approach to ensure the successful implementation of the new legal framework.
The conference provided a platform for legal experts, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss these transformative reforms, setting the stage for a more just and humane criminal justice system in India.
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