In a significant move towards improving law and order in the North-Eastern states, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, chaired a review meeting in Guwahati on the status of the implementation of three new criminal laws. The meeting, which was attended by Chief Ministers from the North-Eastern states, senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and police chiefs, reviewed progress in key areas such as police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics.
The Union Home Minister also released the book ‘New Criminal Laws: Standard Operating Procedures and Rules’, prepared by the CID, Assam. The book outlines detailed guidelines and rules for effective implementation of the new criminal laws across the region.
Addressing the attendees, Shri Amit Shah stressed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government is fully committed to providing citizens with a transparent and swift justice system. He underlined the importance of registering crimes promptly to strengthen law and order, stating that quick action is crucial for ensuring justice.
Shri Shah emphasized that the North-Eastern states must work diligently towards fully implementing these new laws, as their complete enforcement would bring about a transformative change in the region’s law and order situation. He noted that the aim is to ensure that justice is delivered within three years of filing an FIR, as mandated by the Supreme Court.
The Union Home Minister also called for zero political interference in cases related to terrorism, mob lynching, and organized crime. He further urged all North-Eastern states to ensure that 100% of police personnel are trained in the new criminal laws.
Shri Amit Shah directed the Chief Ministers to conduct monthly review meetings and the Director Generals of Police and Chief Secretaries to convene reviews every 15 days to assess the progress. He congratulated Assam for filing charge sheets within the stipulated time frame in a large percentage of cases and urged other states to follow suit.
He also advocated for the implementation of the e-Sakshya system and the use of the “Trial in Absentia” provision to expedite justice and bring fugitive criminals back to the country. Finally, he emphasized the importance of shifting the police’s focus from insurgency to the protection of citizens’ lives, property, and dignity as insurgency is nearly eradicated in the region.
