First case under New Criminal Laws registered in Assam's Nagaon

Digital Desk: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced during a press conference on Monday that Assam has registered its inaugural case under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in Nagaon district. The case was officially logged at 12:32 pm at Nagaon Sadar Police Station.

Effective nationwide from Monday, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, has replaced the longstanding British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act.

Chief Minister Sarma stressed the significance of these legal reforms for Assam, particularly in tackling issues like child marriage. Previously, interpretations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and Islamic laws had posed challenges over the past eighteen months.

"Under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, even consensual intercourse below the age of 18 is now categorized as rape and carries appropriate penalties," Sarma affirmed. He also highlighted the adjustment in the minimum age for consensual intercourse among married women, increased from 15 to 18 years, aimed at combating child marriage and serving as a deterrent.

Sarma highlighted the meticulous preparations for the transition from colonial laws, including the training of 115 master trainers within the Assam Police in recent months. Additionally, over 500 police officers have received training at the Gandhinagar Forensic University to align with the new legal requirements, which mandate forensic evidence in cases.

The establishment of five forensic laboratories by the state government underscores their commitment to effectively implementing these reforms. Chief Minister Sarma hailed July 1 as a historic milestone in India's legal evolution, marking a significant step towards decolonizing and democratizing the nation's criminal laws.

"We must raise awareness among the judiciary, police, and all stakeholders across the state to ensure the proud implementation of our reformed criminal justice system," he concluded.