Tripura CM Manik Saha announces the state’s full-scale efforts to implement new criminal laws—BNS, BNSS, BSA 2023, and the amended NDPS Act. These people-centric, tech-driven laws aim to modernize India’s justice system, ensure time-bound investigations, and improve access to justice for every citizen.
In a move toward reforming India’s criminal justice system, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the state government is making all-out efforts to implement three newly enacted criminal laws that are described as modern, technology-driven, time-bound, and victim-centric. These include the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023, along with the amended Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. All of these came into effect nationwide from July 1, 2024, replacing the 150-year-old colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Speaking at a state-level workshop on Investigation and Prosecution under New Criminal Laws and the NDPS Act, held at Pragya Bhawan in Agartala, Chief Minister Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, emphasized the proactive steps being taken by the Tripura Home Department for the seamless implementation of these laws.
Transition from Colonial Legacy to Modern Justice
“The IPC, which had governed India’s criminal jurisprudence since the British era, has been replaced to meet the demands of a changing society and to ensure equitable justice for every citizen,” said Saha. He noted that the three new laws are designed to be citizen-friendly, introducing technology-driven solutions to strengthen the process of justice delivery.
The new laws aim to streamline investigation procedures, make trials more time-bound, and prioritize victims’ rights. Saha pointed out that the laws were brought into force under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with an overarching goal to modernize and decolonize India’s criminal justice system.
Key Features of the New Criminal Laws
Chief Minister Saha highlighted several notable provisions under the newly implemented framework:
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FIR registration from anywhere in India, irrespective of the location of the crime.
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Remote filing of complaints by elderly, ailing, or differently-abled persons, who are no longer required to physically visit police stations.
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Time-bound investigation and case disposal, aiming for faster delivery of justice.
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Mandatory sharing of FIR copies free of charge with the complainant.
“These reforms are not just structural changes—they aim to deliver justice more efficiently, fairly, and humanely,” Saha remarked.
State’s Commitment to Implementation
Tripura’s government has been swift to embrace these changes. According to the CM, a key meeting in March 2024 in Guwahati—attended by Home Minister Amit Shah and the Chief Ministers of all eight northeastern states—laid the foundation for the rollout of these laws in the region. The Tripura government has since held multiple high-level meetings and workshops to orient stakeholders such as police officers, prosecutors, and legal professionals.
The Chief Minister also expressed hope that with the full implementation of the new laws, Tripura’s conviction rate would see a significant improvement.
“Coordination between police, prosecutors, and legal experts will be crucial for the success of this transition,” he said.
High-Level Participation
The workshop at Pragya Bhawan witnessed the presence of several top officials, including Chief Secretary Jitendra Kumar Sinha, Director General of Police Anurag, and other senior officers from the police and civil administration. These interactions are part of a broader effort to sensitize law enforcement personnel about the operational details and societal implications of the new legislation.
A Step Towards Justice for All
The introduction and implementation of BNS, BNSS, BSA 2023, and the revised NDPS Act signify a major shift in India’s legal landscape. For Tripura, the laws provide an opportunity to make justice more accessible, transparent, and efficient.
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As the state prepares to fully adopt these reforms, the Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to ensure that every citizen, especially victims of crime, benefit from these transformative changes.
