Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Visits UT Chandigarh to Review New Criminal Laws Implementation and Launch National Apps
Chandigarh, August 4, 2024 — The Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Sh. Amit Shah, visited the Union Territory of Chandigarh today to review the implementation of three new criminal laws. During his visit, the Hon’ble Minister also launched four newly developed national apps: e-Sakshya, Nyay Setu, Nyay Shruti, and e-Summon. The event was graced by the presence of Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh.
Key dignitaries in attendance included Sh. Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Union Home Secretary; Sh. Tapan Kumar Deka, Director of Intelligence Bureau; Sh. Rajeev Kumar Sharma, DG BPRD; Sh. Vivek Gogia, Director NCRB; Sh. Rajeev Verma, Adviser to the Administrator UT Chandigarh; Sh. Surendra Singh Yadav, DGP UT Chandigarh; and other senior officers from NIC, Chandigarh Administration, and Chandigarh Police.
At the Chandigarh Secretariat, Sh. Amit Shah was given a live demonstration of the various pillars of the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) functioning under the new criminal laws and their integration. He congratulated the Chandigarh Administration and Chandigarh Police for the live demonstration of these laws.
The newly launched apps — e-Sakshya, Nyay Setu, Nyay Shruti, and e-Summon — developed by NIC in collaboration with Chandigarh Police and NCRB under the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs, aim to streamline the Criminal Justice System, acting as catalysts for efficiency and transparency.
Addressing the gathering at the inauguration, Sh. Amit Shah highlighted that the Constitution is the spirit of India, and the new criminal laws will strengthen this spirit. He pointed out that the previous laws, enacted in 1860 by a foreign parliament, are no longer relevant for India in 2024. The new laws, based on modern technology and purely indigenous, represent one of the biggest reforms in India over the next decade. He emphasized that these laws are justice-oriented rather than punishment-oriented and will position India as the world’s most technologically advanced justice system.
The Minister urged the citizens of Chandigarh to become more aware of the new criminal laws, avoid rumors, and contribute positively towards their implementation. He announced that Chandigarh will be the first administrative unit in the country where 100% implementation of all three laws will be completed first, within the next two months. He noted that for the first time, with the implementation of these new laws, it will not be easy for criminals to commit crimes in India and take refuge abroad.
He requested the citizens of Chandigarh to become more aware of the new criminal laws, stay away from rumours and contribute to the implementation of these laws with positivity.
The Union Home Minister also recognized the contributions of the Cyber Interns from the 3rd batch of the Cyber Swachhata Mission of Chandigarh Administration. Their active participation in cyber awareness initiatives, including Nukkad Nataks, social media content creation, Cyclothon, and innovative campaigns, has significantly raised public awareness about cyber safety in and around Chandigarh.
Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor Punjab cum Administrator UT Chandigarh, also spoke on the occasion, highlighting the digitization aspect of the new laws. He mentioned that digital evidence and online reporting mechanisms are key components, allowing complainants to track their cases at the click of a button. He noted the abolition of the British-era sedition law and the introduction of severe penalties for serious crimes like mob lynching and rapes, enhancing public safety and security. Sh. Kataria emphasized that these laws, formulated after four years of extensive discussions with various stakeholders, pave the way for swift and timely justice.
Earlier, Sh. Rajeev Verma, Adviser to the Administrator, UT Chandigarh, welcomed the Union Home Minister and other distinguished guests. Emphasizing the importance of the new criminal laws, Sh. Rajeev Verma said that these new laws will result in saving time and money for witnesses and experts, reducing congestion in courts, and ensuring a speedy trial.
DGP UT Chandigarh Sh. Surendra Singh Yadav delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to Hon’ble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah for his visit and the launch of the newly developed apps.
