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Amit Shah, Odisha CM To Discuss Implementation Of New Criminal Laws

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to meet Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi in the national capital on Wednesday to review the state’s progress in implementing India’s newly introduced criminal laws.

Law Implementation Official

The discussion will focus on how prepared Odisha is to put into action the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). These laws officially came into effect on July 1, 2024, replacing the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act.

Majhi, who took over as Chief Minister in 2024, is expected to brief the Home Minister on the steps his government has taken so far to align with the Centre’s legal reforms.

According to officials, most of the new provisions are already in force, except for a small section under the BNS. The updated laws aim to make the justice system more transparent, accessible, and citizen-focused.

What Amit Shah Stated?

Speaking earlier, Amit Shah highlighted that successful implementation will require strong cooperation between the Centre and states. He also said that once fully adopted across the country likely within the next three years, India’s criminal justice system will be among the most modern in the world.

One of the standout features of the new laws is their technology-friendly approach, designed to handle current and future advancements without needing major changes.

Shah noted that over 160 meetings have been held by the Home Ministry since 2019 to shape these laws. Experts from across the legal, academic, and administrative fields — including judges, police officers, bar associations, MPs, and law universities — were consulted during the process.

Meeting To Boost Centre-State Cooperation

In addition, the government studied the criminal justice systems of 43 countries to ensure India’s new laws follow global best practices.

The upcoming meeting is expected to be a crucial step in ensuring smooth coordination between the state and central governments as the country moves toward a more modern and efficient legal system.