Odisha CM Charan Majhi Chairs Meeting On State’s Law And Order Situation

Odisha Chief Minister Charan Majhi conducted a review meeting on Saturday with senior police officials to discuss the state’s law and order situation. The meeting, held at the state guest house in Bhubaneswar, was attended by Director General of Police (DGP) Arun Sarangi, Director Intelligence Saumendra Priyadarshi, and other top police authorities.

Earlier on Friday, DGP Arun Sarangi announced that three new criminal laws enacted in 2023 would come into effect from July 1. “We are preparing for the implementation of the three new criminal laws from July 1. There are various provisions in the new laws that require notifications from the state government. Despite some delays due to elections, we are expediting the preparations and providing training to all police personnel,” said Arun Kumar Sarangi, Director General of Police, Odisha, in a statement to ANI.

The three laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023—replace the previous criminal laws including the Indian Penal Code 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will comprise 358 sections (replacing 511 sections in the IPC). It introduces 20 new crimes, increases imprisonment sentences for 33 crimes, raises fines in 83 crimes, and mandates minimum punishments in 23 crimes. Community service penalties are introduced for six crimes, and 19 sections are repealed or removed.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita will have 531 sections (replacing 484 sections of CrPC). It includes 177 amendments, adds nine new sections and 39 sub-sections, introduces 44 new provisions and clarifications, incorporates timelines in 35 sections, and integrates audio-video provisions at 35 instances.

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will contain 170 provisions (up from 167 provisions initially). It amends 24 provisions, adds two new provisions and six sub-provisions, and repeals or deletes six provisions.

These criminal justice reforms underscore a significant shift in India, prioritizing crimes against women, children, and national security over colonial-era concerns such as treason and treasury offences.