Haryana to Implement New Criminal Laws | 10 Jan 2025

Why in News?

Haryana is going to fully implement the three new criminal laws by 28th February 2025. The widespread adoption of 5G technology would act as a force multiplier, as the new laws require digital evidence through mandatory videography of crime scenes and recovery procedures.

Key Points

Timelines and Challenges:
- The new laws mandate strict timelines for courts to complete trial proceedings.
- Courts face challenges as they must handle both pending cases under old laws and new cases in a time-bound manner.
- Courts are now required to accept chargesheets electronically, leaving no room for exceptions.
Amendments to Police Rules:
- The existing Police Rules need amendments to align with the new legal framework.
- For example; introduction of electronic summons delivery, previously unaddressed in the rules.
E-Summons App:
- The E-Summons App eliminates the need for physical delivery of summons.
- Summons are transferred electronically, served via mobile devices or WhatsApp, and acknowledged screenshots are uploaded to the system.
Technological Upgrades in Policing:
- Equipment:
  - Tablets and mobile handsets are being procured for the police.
  - Each police station of Haryana has six computers connected to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS).
- E-Sakshya App:
  - Designed to upload electronic evidence, requiring extensive backend storage, which is managed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
Legislative Changes:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita (BSS), and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) replaced the Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act, and Code of Criminal Procedure, respectively.
- These laws, effective from 1^st July 2024, aim to strengthen infrastructure and forensic capabilities.

National Informatics Centre (NIC)

It is a premiere S&T institution of the Government of India, established in 1976, for providing e-Government / e- Governance Solutions adopting best practices, integrated services and global solutions in Government Sector.

Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems

Background:
- Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) is a plan scheme conceived in the light of experience of a non-plan scheme namely - Common Integrated Police Application (CIPA).
Launch:
- CCTNS is a Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Approx. 14,000 Police Stations throughout the country have been proposed to be automated besides 6000 higher offices in the police hierarchy.
- It was approved in 2009.
Objectives:
- Make the Police functioning citizen friendly and more transparent by automating the functioning of Police Stations.
- Improve delivery of citizen-centric services through effective usage of ICT.
- Provide the Investigating Officers of the Civil Police with tools, technology and information to facilitate investigation of crime and detection of criminals.