Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has said that the state government has implemented a witness protection scheme to ensure the safety and cooperation of witnesses as per the provisions of the new criminal laws.
Addressing a workshop on three criminal laws on Sunday (July 20), CM Saha said the initiative is part of the state’s commitment to effectively implement the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which came into force from July 1, 2024.
He called for robust monitoring and implementation of reforms to make law enforcement more citizen-centric, technology-driven, and sensitive to victims.
He noted that new offences such as terrorism, mob lynching, and organised crime have been incorporated, which were previously missing from the legal framework.
Moreover, the new laws provide stricter penalties for crimes against women and children, ensuring faster and more transparent justice.
Addressing key stakeholders, Saha emphasized the urgent need to fix lapses in investigations and streamline processes to ensure that authorities deliver justice efficiently and humanely.
“Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting with officials of North Eastern states regarding the implementation of the new criminal laws in this region. The Centre instructed us to focus on monitoring and implementation. We must make our system more accessible and citizen-focused,” said the Chief Minister.
According to the chief minister, the new criminal laws make the justice system more victim-friendly and promote the use of electronic communication.
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Saha emphasized technology’s role in justice, stating that police must allow victims to file zero FIRs at any police station, irrespective of jurisdiction. He also added that authorities should promptly provide victims with a free copy of the First Information Report (FIR) and all related documents.
