Mysore/Mysuru: Additional Director General Of Police (ADGP), Training, Traffic and Road Safety, Alok Kumar has asserted that, the new criminal laws are brought into effect, with the sole intent of delivering speedy justice, with transparency and responsibility in law.

ADGP Alok Kumar was addressing a special seminar on ‘New Criminal Laws — Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshi Adhiniyam (BSA), organised by JSS Medical College in association with Karnataka Police Academy (KPA), Mysuru, yesterday.

With more emphasis on incorporating technology during investigation, the new criminal laws, aim to catapult India as a super power. The previous laws dated back to the time of British rule, but with the introduction of new laws, First Information Report (FIR) will be filed under BNS doing away with IPC that was in use earlier, setting the tone to bring effective changes in the realm of criminal laws, added ADGP Alok Kumar.

New laws for speedy trial

“We have heard how people had to drag their feet, experiencing enduring moments waiting for justice for decades that remained a mirage for 10 years to 20 years. In some cases, the complainants died even before the case was disposed of. Henceforth, such moments of agony will be a passé, with the specific instructions on completing the legal process under BNSS in a time bound manner. The charge sheet should be submitted to the Court within 60 days against the earlier 90 days time frame. The judgment should be pronounced within 45 days of the trial and the complainants should be apprised of the stage of investigation of the case,” explained Alok Kumar.

The new laws are replete with modern system, under which, zero FIRs can be filed, besides lodging the complains online, issuing summons through electronic modes like SMS among other ways and video evidences related to heinous crimes have been made mandatory. Under the concept of zero FIR, the complaint should be registered under Cognisable case and inquiry be conducted, and FIR be filed only on the merit of severity of the case.

Capital punishment for rape

Child trafficking including selling and buying the infants is considered as a serious crime. Take for example, the racket related to aborting foetuses, that was unearthed in Mandya recently, is also a heinous crime. While in the cases of gang rape involving minor victims, there is a provision to award capital punishment or life sentence to the convict. A new chapter pertaining to crimes against women and children are also included in the new Criminal Laws.

The statement of rape survivors shall be recorded by Women Police Officers in the presence of either her parents or relatives. The medical report in such cases should be prepared within seven days of the incident. To ensure transparency, the statement should be recorded both in audio                                      and video formats.

Record statement within three days

If a person files online complaint, he or she should appear in person at the Police Station within three days i.e.,72 hours and to record the statement. Or else, the complaint will be considered as a false complaint and won’t be entertained.

The maximum of 10 years imprisonment will be awarded in the proven cases of cheating on the pretext of marriage. While the victims of Cyber Crime, should file a complaint first by dialling the toll-free 1930 number and lodge the complaint at the Station, to prevent the amount lost in online fraud from reaching the hands of perpetrators.

Principal of JSS Medical College Dr.H. Basavana Gowdappa was the chief guest of the seminar. DIGP (Southern Range) Dr. B. Boralingaiah, Director of Karnataka Police Academy (KPA), Mysuru, M.S. Geetha Prasanna, KPA Mysuru Deputy Director S.L. Chennabasavanna, Director of Kalaburagi KPA Kishore Babu, Administrative Officer of JSS Medical College, S.R. Satish Chandra, Vice-Principal Dr.M.N. Suma, Dr. Praveen Kulkarni and Head of Forensic Science Department Dr. H.V. Chandrakanth were present.  KPA Legal Advisor Dr. Guruswamy also spoke.

Wear helmet for safety

Two-wheeler riders should compulsorily wear helmet for their own safety. Even if the Police fail to take notice, cameras installed on Mysuru-Bengaluru Expressway will be keeping a tab round the clock. Similarly, cameras have been installed all over the city. It is essential to wear helmet, to save oneself from life threatening injuries during accident. In the case of rash and dangerous driving, the  punitive action including imposition of fine is also possible. The three new Criminal Laws were essential in the interest of future of young denizens of the country. The changes in law have been made to provide justice to victims on time. Keeping in pace with the technology, provisions have been made under new laws to maintain transparency and share the information related to investigation with the complainants. — Alok Kumar, ADGP