Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur
Jaipur, Oct 13: Union home minister Amit Shah marked a significant day in Jaipur by inaugurating a state-level exhibition showcasing three new criminal laws, alongside laying the foundation stone for and inaugurating over 1,100 development projects worth nearly Rs 9,600 crore. The exhibition at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre commemorates the first anniversary of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, which came into force on July 1, 2024.
Shah highlighted the profound impact these laws are having on India's criminal justice system, promising faster resolution of cases and a shift from punishment-driven policing to justice-oriented enforcement. He announced that FIRs filed after 2027 will reach the Supreme Court within three years, drastically reducing delays that previously stretched cases over decades. Emphasizing the progress made, he noted that timely filing of charge sheets has already improved, with a target to push this to 90 percent within the next year.
The Home Minister shared encouraging statistics from Rajasthan, revealing that the conviction rate following arrests has jumped from 42 to 60 percent since the new laws were enacted, with expectations to reach 90 percent as implementation progresses. He called for wider adoption of digital tools such as remote video appearances for criminals, officers, and witnesses to streamline judicial processes further.
Shah also praised Rajasthan’s police leadership, especially DGP Rajiv Sharma, for their role in executing these reforms. Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader governance agenda, Shah stressed that timely and accessible justice will change the public's perception of the judicial system and enhance ease of living for citizens.
In a pointed remark, Shah addressed skepticism expressed by former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot regarding investment commitments, affirming the current BJP-led government’s track record of fulfilling promises. He lauded the Bhajanlal Sharma administration for successfully implementing Rs 7 lac crore worth of MoUs in a short span, predicting it will outperform national averages for investment execution.
The event reflected a fusion of legal reform and economic progress, with Shah underlining the importance of the National Forensic Science University in training a new generation of forensic experts. He encouraged police personnel, lawyers, and law students to engage with the exhibition to better understand the transformative changes in India’s justice system, suggesting the exhibition be extended beyond Diwali.
As the state continues its developmental and judicial overhaul, Shah portrayed this moment as a vital step toward building a “New India” grounded in progress and justice, reflecting both investment-led growth and the swift dispensation of justice.