Zero FIR, trial in absentia among issues flagged during training programme on new criminal laws

Eminent speakers included Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Judicial Member, Lokpal of India; Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, Judge, Delhi High Court; and Prof (Dr) G S Bajpai, Vice Chancellor, National Law University, Delhi.

Many in the panel argued that the laws are 95% similar to the older criminal laws.
Another issue raised at the programme was of Zero FIR and trial absentia. “Someone can register a 0 FIR against someone at any police station in the country, for a crime which carries under 7 years of punishment. Without the accused being present, even a trial absentia can start. These provisions are going to face a lot of challenges,” said Rebecca John, senior advocate.

“In Delhi, we had the provision of 0 FIR. But our training strictly says that the case should be handed over to the police station of jurisdiction immediately. But the laws are pan India, and could be interpreted differently,” said Deputy Director Uma Shankar, Police Academy.

The event was concluded by Attorney General of India, R Venkataramani who remarked: “No country in the world has the perfect law.”