New Laws a Step Towards Transparent, Technology-Driven Governance: Gupta
Leh, Sept 01: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today described the enforcement of India’s new criminal laws as a decisive step under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards dismantling colonial legacies and establishing a justice system rooted in transparency, equality, and modern governance. Inaugurating a two-day exhibition on the new laws at the Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium, Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Choglamsar, the Lt Governor underlined Ladakh’s pioneering role in embracing the reforms and said the Union Territory is demonstrating how a citizen-centric and technology-driven justice delivery system can reach the last mile.
Accompanied by First Lady Smt. Bindu Gupta, the Lt Governor observed that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which came into force on July 1, 2024, signify the government’s resolve to replace outdated colonial statutes with a framework responsive to contemporary needs. He stressed that these reforms were not limited to legislative change but aimed at transforming justice delivery to be faster, more accessible, and more accountable.
Shri Gupta commended Ladakh Police for their readiness in implementing the new provisions, citing rigorous training of personnel, the provision of tablets and CUG SIMs for digital evidence collection, and the conduct of mock drills across districts. He lauded the efforts to spread awareness among citizens through outreach programmes in schools, colleges, trade bodies, women’s groups, and civil society organisations, alongside campaigns on social and mass media.
Applauding the force’s early adoption, the Lt Governor noted that Kargil Police Station became the first in the country to register a case under the new laws, filing a chargesheet within five days and securing conviction. He further informed that the Zero FIR system has been integrated with CCTNS, Ladakh is the first Union Territory to implement MedLEaPR for instant medico-legal reporting, and all police stations are now connected to the CCTNS CAS application for transparent case management. “This exhibition is a testament to our collective commitment to building a justice system that is efficient, technology-enabled, and rooted in public trust,” he remarked.
Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, contextualised the transition by recalling the colonial origin of the earlier criminal laws and noted that the newly enacted statutes are designed to expedite justice through modern technology. He pointed to the introduction of community service as a punishment that would reduce undertrial numbers and briefed the gathering on the Administration’s plans to strengthen the prosecutorial wing and establish a modern forensic laboratory in the Union Territory.
DGP Ladakh, Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, IPS, acknowledged the challenges of implementing the reforms in a newly constituted Union Territory but praised the police force for being among the first in India to enforce them. He expressed hope that the reforms would foster a crime-free society and inspire young people to join the police service.
The event, attended by senior officials, political representatives, heads of religious and civil society organisations, and students, also featured a play on the BNSS Act 2023, bringing out its practical application before the audience.
