Odisha police exhibition to showcase new criminal laws' implementation & achievements

Bhubaneswar: Odisha police are set to host an exhibition highlighting their achievements in implementing the new criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).The initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive during an exhibition in Chandigarh on december 3, 2024, where he had asked the ministry of home affairs to facilitate similar events across all states.The new laws, which came into effect on July 1, 2024, replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and Indian Evidence Act (IEA). The reforms aimed to transform the judicial system by shifting its focus from punishment to justice.“We plan to organise the exhibition in Feb. Preparations have already started, and the exact date will be finalised soon,” said DGP Y B Khurania. Police officers said the exhibition will serve as a platform to inform and educate citizens from all walks of life — including students — about the key provisions and implications of the new laws. Sources revealed that state police may seek an appointment with Union home minister Amit Shah to inaugurate the event.The exhibition will feature participation from police units across the state, showcasing achievements such as fast-tracked and improved conviction rates. Officials noted that the new laws impose strict timelines on the three pillars of justice — police, prosecution and judiciary. These include deadlines for completing investigations within 90 days, filing chargesheets, framing charges and delivering judgments.“At the exhibition, we will show how the reforms emphasise scientific and technology-driven investigations, ensuring watertight cases that minimise the scope for offenders to exploit loopholes or benefit from doubt,” another police officer said.During the exhibition, police will demonstrate the practical application of the new laws, including live simulations of crime scene investigations to show how the new framework is reshaping the criminal justice landscape. “The new criminal laws made the legal system more transparent, efficient and adaptable to the needs of contemporary society,” Khurania said.