Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated India’s only state-level exhibition on new criminal laws, highlighting reforms under BNS, BNSS, and BSA 2023. The five-day event aims to raise awareness about citizen-friendly justice, transparency, and speedy trials.
Tripura has emerged as the only state in India to organize a state-level exhibition on the newly enacted criminal laws, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha announced while inaugurating the exhibition at the Hapania Indoor Exhibition Hall in Agartala today.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Saha, who also holds the portfolio of Home Minister, said the three laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023—would play a transformative role in strengthening the justice delivery system in India. The laws, which replaced colonial-era legislations, came into effect on July 1, 2024, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dr. Saha emphasized that timely justice is the backbone of public trust in the legal system. “If justice is not delivered on time, people lose faith in the system. These new laws are aimed at ensuring transparency, speed, and accessibility,” he said.
Tripura’s Unique Initiative
According to the Chief Minister, the five-day exhibition has been designed to give citizens a comprehensive understanding of the new laws. He proudly declared that Tripura is the only state in the country to have organized such an exhibition, placing the state at the forefront of public awareness and governance initiatives.
“At the all-India level, Tripura ranks among the top states in various fields. From officials to common citizens, everyone here is actively engaged with important reforms. Organizing this exhibition is another example of how Tripura is maintaining its good name nationally and contributing to meaningful governance,” Dr. Saha noted.
He recalled that after the bills were passed in Parliament, a crucial meeting was held in Guwahati under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, where Tripura presented its proactive steps toward implementing the new laws. “We have always ensured that our state remains ahead in implementing reforms,” he said.
Citizen-Friendly Reforms in Criminal Laws
Explaining the major highlights of the three laws, Dr. Saha said they are designed to bring people closer to the justice system. Among the reforms, citizens can now submit complaints electronically without visiting police stations physically. The provision of Zero FIR allows anyone to file a complaint from any location.
“If an individual is arrested, the law ensures that their close relatives or acquaintances are informed immediately. The forensic team has been given greater responsibilities in investigations, thereby ensuring scientific and transparent procedures,” Dr. Saha explained.
He also underlined that special emphasis has been given to cases involving women and children. Investigations in such cases must now be completed within two months. Moreover, victims of crimes, particularly women and children, are entitled to free treatment in hospitals, ensuring care alongside justice.
National Perspective and Reforms
Dr. Saha highlighted that the Modi government’s bold initiative to replace British-era criminal laws with citizen-friendly ones marked a historic transformation in India’s legal landscape. “For decades, colonial laws were left untouched. But under Prime Minister Modi, these changes have been made to ensure justice becomes faster, fairer, and more accessible,” he said.
He further added that deregulation and simplification of laws are happening across all sectors. “In Tripura, our cabinet has also passed many reforms that favor citizens. The new legal framework will significantly improve efficiency while upholding transparency,” Dr. Saha remarked.
Dignitaries Present
The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, including MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, DGP Anurag, Home Department Secretary Abhishek Singh, Additional Director General M. Raja Murugan, and senior official G.S. Rao.
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Dr. Saha concluded his address by extending best wishes for the success of the exhibition and expressed hope that citizens would gain a detailed understanding of the three new laws. “The exhibition is not just about spreading awareness, but about empowering people to know their rights and responsibilities under the new justice system,” he said.
