Left-backed lawyers protest in Tripura even as state govt prepares to implement 3 new criminal laws

“They passed these laws, replacing the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act. Scheduled to take effect from July 1, these laws are undemocratic and anti-people. They could lead to arbitrary arrests under draconian laws, overturning the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. We have been fighting against these laws since before they were passed and demand their repeal,” said Debnath.

The laws received presidential assent last December and will replace existing legal frameworks.

At the Civil Secretariat, Home Secretary PK Chakraborty stated that the new laws aim to expedite judicial processes and ensure justice for victims. “About 3,010 officials from various departments, including police, law, and the state Forensic Science Laboratory, received training on the new laws through both offline and online modes. Over 500 Health Department officials were trained, and senior officers from various departments were trained as master trainers at SIPARD. Additionally, 282 police officers from CCTNS were trained on the laws’ applicability,” said Chakraborty.

Under the new laws, complaints can be lodged at any police station as a zero FIR, even if outside its jurisdiction. Arresting individuals accused of crimes with less than three years’ imprisonment will require permission from the deputy superintendent of police. Furthermore, investigators must update complainants on the progress of investigations within 90 days of registering a complaint, with a focus on protecting women and children.

Chakraborty added, “The new regulations also mandate that trials be completed within 60 days of filing the chargesheet, with a verdict delivered within 45 days as per Section 392 of BNSS.” Citizens can also download the Sankalan app for detailed information about the new laws.

When questioned about community service, Law Secretary Sanjay Bhattacharjee explained, “Community service is defined as work directed by a magistrate after conviction, benefiting the community without remuneration.”

Inspector General of Police L Darlong announced that awareness programmes regarding the three new laws will be held at 88 police stations across the state on July 1.