SRINAGAR, June 26: The Jammu and Kashmir Police has released a comprehensive compendium in Urdu detailing the three new criminal justice laws, which include provisions on investigation, arrest, search, seizure, and prosecution. Compiled and translated by a six-member committee led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mubassir Latifi, the compendium was unveiled on Tuesday.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo assessed the readiness for implementing the new laws, set to take effect in the Union territory next month. Director General of Police R R Swain launched the book titled “Compendium on Three New Criminal Laws – Teen Naye Foujdaari Qawaneen” along with informative fliers in Urdu.
The compendium translates key changes introduced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) into Urdu. These new laws will replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act respectively.
The spokesperson explained that the compendium features chapters on substantive law, the BNS and its comparison with the IPC, and detailed sections on investigation, arrest, search, seizure, prosecution, and trial procedures in Urdu. It also covers new provisions such as the use of forensics and technology in investigations, witness protection schemes, and special provisions for women and children.
“These new criminal laws reflect our culture and civilisation. Earlier, the focus was solely on punishment, but now it is on justice,” Latifi said. He highlighted that the new laws aim to provide speedy and transparent justice, with features like a timeline for cases and the concept of zero FIR, allowing FIRs to be filed at any police station regardless of jurisdiction.
Latifi noted that physical presence at the police station would no longer be mandatory for filing complaints. He also mentioned that terrorism has been clearly defined for the first time, with provisions addressing organized and petty crimes, as well as special sections for women, children, Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Scheduled Castes (SC).
Chief Secretary Dulloo reviewed the implementation preparedness with all stakeholders, emphasizing the need to create the necessary environment and infrastructure for the successful application of the new laws. Officials reported that 161 master trainers and 16,914 police personnel have been trained on the new laws. Additionally, 120 prosecutors have received necessary training, with 115 newly appointed prosecutors to be trained shortly.
