NEW DELHI: Lawyers for Justice & Rajdhani Yuva Sansad organised the second National Lawyers’ Parliament Festival at the India International Centre Lodhi Road on November 24. Over 300 legal professionals from across the country participated, engaging in thought-provoking discussions on the New Criminal Law Codes of 2023.
The parliamentary discussion was graced by several dignitaries including Union Minister of Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, who was the Chief Guest for the inaugural ceremony. The event was inaugurated by Arjun Meghwal with the lighting of the lamp.
While addressing the gathering Meghwal stressed on the reforms in the Indian Legal System. He highlighted the evolution of Indian laws, emphasising their role in society from historic events like the Battle of Plassey and the 1857 Revolt. He noted the shift from punitive old laws to reformative new ones, citing recent changes in criminal laws as steps toward a more inclusive and progressive legal system.
Speaking at length about the new criminal laws, Meghwal added that the changes were made in the existing laws after taking scrutinising a large number of suggestions. Clearing the air with regards to the execution of the new laws, Meghwal added that these new laws are being implemented in all parts of the country. He however, added that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah has gone on record to say that we are open to changes, wherever required.
Highlighting some of the key points of the new criminal laws, he said that the ‘three Ts’ which include technology, timeliness and trial will play a pivotal role in ensuring that justice prevails. He added that in the past it was difficult to file a first information report. However, now under the new law the concept of ‘Zero FIR’ has been introduced which means that the aggrieved party can file an FIR in online mode from anywhere.
He further added that in the past, even if the court pronounced the judgement to release an accused or the convict, it could not be done as the jailor would do so only when he receives the copy. However, now the moment the judge pronounces the verdict, it will be uploaded on the website and the accused will be able to walk free. This will be done on the E-Prison platform.
Arjun Meghwal further said that under the new criminal laws we have introduced the concept of community service. He stated that this concept was prevalent in the past and was adopted by other countries and in Bharat it was done away with. However, it has been brought again.
Other dignitaries who attended the inaugural event included Justice Chandra Dhari Singh and Justice Vikas Mahajan from the Delhi High Court, Vijay Kumar Singh, Vice Chairperson, DDA. The day began with introductory remarks by Advocate. Piyush Gupta who emphasised upon the significance of youth engagement in legal and policy discourse. The address of Advocate Jai Saini & Advocate Isha Kapoor ignited a discussion on new codes.
Earlier Justice Vikas Mahajan from the Delhi High Court, while addressing the gathering said that the objective of the new criminal laws is to ensure that the justice is done at the earliest and we can do away with the old saying that justice delayed is justice denied.
Meanwhile, there were three sessions that were held which focused on BNSS, BNS and BSA. The audience were divided into two groups that is the ruling party and the opposition. Questions and counter questions were asked on the new and old criminal laws and suggestions were also put forward.
The Valedictory ceremony was presided over by Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, Judge, Delhi High Court. The award ceremony also saw the presence of MP, Chetan Sharma, Additional Solicitor General of India, Prof Dr. Seema Singh and Prof Dr. Upma Gautam.
Prof Dr. Seema Singh, while addressing the gathering stated that under the new law, stringent action will be taken against those who are committing a crime that is against the nation or is detrimental for it. Another dignitary, Amanpreet Pasiji highlighted that the real challenge would be how to implement the new law.
Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, mentioned some of the changes in the new criminal law which includes that the word mental illness has been replaced with unsound mind. He further added that the new law acknowledges the evidence collected through forensic science.
Ahead of the conclusion of the event, awards were given to those who had asked questions and and had defended their points well in various sessions.
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