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Synopsis

Speaking on December 3, 2024, at the heart of a city whose very name echoes the power of Goddess Chandi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the successful implementation of three transformative laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—as a landmark shift in India's journey toward justice. These laws, replacing colonial-era codes, embody the vision of a modern, democratic nation, rooted in equality, harmony, and social justice, he said.

PM Modi addressed a programme marking the successful implementation of the three laws which were implemented nationwide on July 1, 2024. The theme of the programme was: "Secure Society, Developed India - From Punishment to Justice".

"Colonial mindset hindered India's progress for decades. Breaking free from this mentality required a national introspection, which is why I pledged from the Red Fort on August 15 to rid the country of the mindset of subjugation," PM Modi said. 

Further, Highlighting systemic failures, the Prime Minister said, “For decades, weaker sections feared approaching the courts and police. This mindset hindered true social justice.” He emphasized that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita aims to restore public confidence by ensuring equality and sensitivity, with measures like mandatory victim updates via SMS and stringent timelines for resolving heinous crimes.

Regarding the extensive consultations underpinning these reforms, PM Modi credited contributions from Chief Justices, legal scholars, and civil society, underscoring their collaborative effort over four years to address systemic challenges and create a futuristic legal framework. The new laws emphasize swift justice with strict timelines for heinous crimes—charges must be framed within 60 days and verdicts delivered in 45 days, while limiting adjournments to two, he highlighted. 

The Prime Minister emphasized citizen-centric measures like zero FIR registration, digital case tracking, and mandatory victim updates within 90 days. He also pointed to real-life examples, including a theft case in Chandigarh resolved in two months and a Bihar murder case concluded in just 14 days, as evidence of the reforms’ efficacy.

Urging all stakeholders—state governments, judiciary, and law enforcement—to champion these changes, PM Modi appealed for widespread public awareness to ensure citizens understand their new rights and protections. "This is not just about laws; it's about the soul of our nation," he stated, calling the reforms a definitive step toward erasing remnants of colonial subjugation.