Tripura CM Emphasizes Citizen-Focused Justice in New Criminal Laws

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday emphasized that the delivery of justice in the state has become more citizen-centric following the enactment of three new criminal laws, which came into force on July 1, 2024. Speaking at an exhibition organized to showcase these new laws at Hapania International Fair Ground, Dr. Saha underlined that Tripura has emerged as one of the frontrunners in implementing these legislative reforms across the North Eastern region of India.

He highlighted that the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, recently chaired a high-level review meeting in Guwahati to assess the progress of all North Eastern states in implementing the new criminal laws. According to Dr. Saha, despite some operational and administrative challenges, Tripura has made substantial progress and has been recognized as a leading state in adopting these reforms. This recognition reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring the effective execution of the new legal provisions and promoting a more transparent and accountable judicial system.

The Chief Minister elaborated on the significance of the new sections added to the criminal laws, which have been widely appreciated for their citizen-centric orientation. He explained that the new provisions include clear timelines for filing appeals, mandating that appeals must be lodged within 30 days of the filing of a complaint. This measure is intended to ensure prompt justice, reduce delays in legal proceedings, and enhance public confidence in the judicial system.

Additionally, Dr. Saha highlighted the statutory recognition given to the concept of a zero FIR, an important step towards ensuring that complaints filed by citizens are acknowledged and acted upon without undue delay or procedural barriers. Under the new provisions, the police are also required to provide a copy of the FIR to the complainant, further promoting transparency, accountability, and trust in law enforcement agencies.

The Chief Minister also discussed Sections 293 and 479 of the BNSS statute, which aim to humanize the delivery of justice. Section 293 allows for a reduction in a convict’s sentence, up to one-third of the jail term, in cases where the crime was committed under sudden provocation and the offender has no prior criminal record. This provision ensures that judicial responses are proportionate and considerate of mitigating circumstances. Section 479 permits the adjustment of punishment in accordance with the period a convict has already served as an undertrial, further reinforcing fairness and equity in sentencing practices.

The exhibition organized at Hapania International Fair Ground drew participation from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including the Director General of Police of Tripura, senior police and civil administration officials, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, students, and members of the general public. Their engagement underscored the state government’s focus on raising awareness about the new laws and ensuring that citizens are informed about the reforms designed to make justice delivery more accessible and responsive to public needs.

Dr. Saha’s remarks and the exhibition collectively highlighted Tripura’s proactive approach to implementing legal reforms that prioritize citizen welfare, streamline judicial processes, and promote transparency in law enforcement. By introducing mechanisms such as zero FIR recognition, fixed timelines for appeals, and provisions for reduced or adjusted sentences, the state government has taken significant steps toward ensuring that justice delivery is timely, fair, and equitable. The exhibition also served as a platform for interaction between the public and officials, reinforcing the state’s commitment to inclusive governance and citizen-centric legal reforms.

In summary, Tripura under Chief Minister Manik Saha has set a benchmark for North Eastern states in implementing the new criminal laws. The reforms, coupled with public awareness initiatives, aim to create a more humane, transparent, and efficient justice system, thereby strengthening citizens’ trust in law enforcement and judicial processes.