The date of enforcement for three criminal justice laws in India, namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), is likely to be notified before January 26. The complete rollout of these laws requires updating the criminal justice infrastructure, software, training of human resources, and computerization of courts. The process is expected to be completed within a year, with most states committed to time-bound implementation of the new criminal justice system.
Earlier reports had suggested that the enforcement of these laws may take place around 3-4 months later. Once these laws come into force, all First Information Reports (FIRs) will be registered according to the sections of the BNS. Law books with the updated laws have already been published and are available for study by lawyers, police, and other stakeholders.
Sources indicate that the training process for police, lawyers, prosecutors, and other personnel will commence after January 26. Currently, around 3,000 trainers are undergoing training from master trainers. They will later be assigned across four zones to train personnel in the country’s 850-odd police stations. The judiciary is also likely to conduct a separate training program for its officers. Additionally, law colleges will need to collaborate with the education ministry to decide when they will introduce law books with the updated criminal justice laws.
The training of all arms of the criminal justice system is crucial for ensuring the smooth implementation of these laws, emphasized the government functionary.
