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Ladakh Police organises events as New Criminal Laws come into effect
Yash Khajuria
Leh/Kargil, July 01: In a significant step towards fostering public awareness for the new criminal laws that came into effect today, the Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Brigadier (Retd) Dr B D Mishra, inaugurated a comprehensive poster exhibition in Leh on Monday, even as an awareness program was also held in Kargil district.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will replace the British-era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively. These new laws, which come into effect nationwide today, will bring widespread changes to India’s criminal justice system by ending colonial-era statutes.
Highlighting the importance of public awareness for the successful implementation of new laws, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that such awareness is the cornerstone of a just society. He stressed the need for citizens to understand and engage with the new legal framework to ensure its effective application.
In his keynote address, Lieutenant Governor Mishra highlighted that a well-informed citizenry is the bedrock of a just society.
“Public awareness about legal rights and responsibilities is not merely an educational goal but a fundamental pillar of democracy,” he said. He noted that as new laws and regulations are introduced, it is imperative for citizens to be aware of these changes to ensure that the legal framework serves its intended purpose of justice and equity.
The seminar, attended by legal experts, government officials, and community leaders, aimed to explore the impact of recent legislative changes and to develop strategies for enhancing public engagement. Lt. Governor Mishra called for a collaborative approach involving all sectors of society to promote legal literacy and ensure that citizens are not only informed but also actively involved in the legal processes that affect their lives.
He also commended the efforts of various organizations and institutions that have been working towards increasing legal awareness among the public.
“The path to a just society is paved with informed citizens who can engage with the legal system constructively,” Mishra said, adding, “It is through such engagement that we can ensure that justice is not a mere concept but a reality for everyone.”
The exhibition featured detailed posters and informational materials designed to educate the public on key aspects of the new laws, their purpose, and their impact on the community. This initiative is part of a broader campaign by the Ladakh Police to ensure that citizens are well-informed and can fully understand the new legal framework.
Adding to the significance of the event, books on the three new criminal laws were released by the Lt. Governor and other dignitaries. Furthermore, tablets were distributed to investigating officers to promote a non-biased criminal justice system, underscoring the commitment to leveraging technology for justice.
The poster exhibition in Leh is seen as a pioneering effort to bridge the gap between legal reforms and public understanding. The proactive approach by Ladakh Police in disseminating this information highlights the importance of community engagement in implementing new laws effectively.
This initiative represents a crucial step towards ensuring that the residents of Ladakh are well-informed and actively involved in the legal processes that affect their lives. The Lt. Governor’s emphasis on public awareness and the distribution of technological tools to investigating officers mark a significant advancement in the region’s criminal justice system.
The poster exhibition, organized by Ladakh Police, was also attended by Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Advisor to the Lt Governor; Stanzin Chosphel, Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh; and Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, ADGP Ladakh Police. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort needed to effect meaningful changes in the criminal justice system.
In Kargil district, Ladakh Police organized one day awareness camp at tourist Dak Bungalow Padum, Zanskar to aware the general public about imposing the New Laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA).
SSP of Kargil, Shree Ram R was the chief guest on the occasion while Deputy SP DAR Kargil, Stanzin Dorjay; President ZGA; Anjuman-Moinul-Islam; ZBA youth Wing; representatives of ZBA; Women Association and a large numbers of general public gathered during the awareness camp.
Station House Officer Zanskar inspector Stanzin Gyalsten welcomed the chief guest and other guest and gatherings. Dy. SP DAR Kargil informed the gatherings about the New Laws imposed by the Government and adding these have come into force from today.
While addressing the public, SSP Kargil spoke about the importance of New Laws and their benefits which provide more security to the women to make them empowered. He also inform the gathering that one case of New Law was also registered by Ladakh Police Kargil.
Later, the representatives of various societies raised their issues and also submit their memorandum to SSP Kargil for early redressal.
Eventually the 1st FIR under the BNS was also registered in P/S Zanskar U/S 87 BNS.
