No More Delays in Justice, Thanks to New Criminal Laws ‘Tarikh-pe-Tarikh’: Amit Shah

No More Delays in Justice, Thanks to New Criminal Laws ‘Tarikh-pe-Tarikh’: Amit Shah

In a bid to reform the Indian criminal justice system, the government is set to introduce new laws that aim to ensure speedy justice and put an end to the long-standing issue of delayed trials. Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently announced these proposed changes, highlighting the need for a more efficient and effective legal framework.

Shah said the timeline and financial challenges have been a big barrier to securing justice in the country.

“Justice is not delivered timely. Tarikh pe Tarikh milti hain (prolonged trial), police blame courts and government, courts blame the police, the government holds the police and judiciary responsible. Everyone keeps shifting the blame on each other,” he said.

The current system has often been criticized for its slow pace, with cases dragging on for years and even decades. This has resulted in a lack of faith in the judiciary and a feeling of injustice among the public. The new laws seek to address these concerns and restore confidence in the legal system.

One of the key aspects of the proposed reforms is the introduction of strict timelines for different stages of the criminal justice process. This means that there will be clear deadlines for filing charges, conducting investigations, presenting evidence, and delivering verdicts. By setting these time limits, the government aims to prevent unnecessary delays and ensure that cases are resolved in a timely manner.

Additionally, the new laws will focus on enhancing the efficiency of the judicial system by leveraging technology. This includes the digitization of court records, online filing of cases, and video conferencing for hearings. These technological advancements will not only save time but also reduce the burden on the courts, allowing them to handle a larger number of cases more effectively.

Another significant change is the provision for plea bargaining, which will allow for faster resolution of certain cases. Under this system, the accused can negotiate with the prosecution and plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence. This will help reduce the backlog of cases and expedite the delivery of justice.

Furthermore, the government plans to establish more fast-track courts to handle specific types of cases, such as those related to sexual offenses and crimes against women. These specialized courts will have dedicated judges and prosecutors who are well-versed in dealing with such cases. By prioritizing these sensitive matters, the government aims to ensure that justice is served swiftly and efficiently.

Alongside these changes, the government also intends to strengthen the witness protection program to encourage more witnesses to come forward and testify without fear of reprisal. This will help in ensuring a fair trial and prevent the manipulation or intimidation of witnesses, which often leads to delays in the legal process.

It is important to note that these proposed reforms are part of a larger initiative to revamp the Indian legal system and make it more responsive to the needs of the people. The government is committed to ensuring that justice is not delayed or denied and that the rule of law is upheld.

While the introduction of new criminal laws is a step in the right direction, their successful implementation will require the cooperation and support of all stakeholders, including the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and the legal fraternity. Everyone must work together to bring about the desired changes and restore faith in the justice system.

In conclusion, the proposed new criminal laws aim to bring about much-needed reforms in the Indian criminal justice system. By ensuring speedy justice and eliminating the infamous ‘tarikh-pe-tarikh’ phenomenon, these changes will go a long way in restoring public trust and confidence in the legal system. The government’s commitment to these reforms is a positive sign, and it is hoped that they will be implemented effectively to bring about meaningful change.