Shah reviews implementation of new criminal laws in Northeast, calls for swift justice system

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 17, 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting in Guwahati on Sunday to assess the implementation of the three new criminal laws across the Northeastern states. During the meeting, he also unveiled a book titled ‘New Criminal Laws: Standard Operating Procedures and Rules,’ prepared by CID, Assam.

The meeting focused on the status and progress of reforms in policing, forensic investigations, court procedures, and prosecution under the new legal framework. Attendees included Chief Ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim, as well as the Governor of Manipur. Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and state governments were also present.

Key Directives from Amit Shah:

Commitment to Speedy Justice: Shah emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government is determined to provide citizens with a transparent and efficient justice system. He stressed that all crimes must be registered without delay to strengthen law and order.

Focus on NE states: Shah urged Northeastern states to intensify efforts for implementing the new laws. He stated that once fully enforced, these reforms would bring significant improvements to the region’s legal system, ensuring that cases reach the Supreme Court within three years of an FIR being filed.

 Zero Political Interference: Shah directed that cases related to terrorism, mob lynching, and organized crime should be registered without political interference.

 Mandatory Training for Police: He stressed that 100% of police personnel in NE states should be trained in the new criminal laws for effective enforcement.

 Regular Review Meetings: He urged Chief Ministers to conduct monthly reviews and instructed DGPs and Chief Secretaries to meet every 15 days to assess the implementation process.

Grassroots Policing & Timely Charge Sheets: Shah emphasized that police stations should be accessible to the public and serve as centres of justice. He commended Assam for achieving 66% charge sheet filing within the 60-90 day timeframe and encouraged other states to adopt this model.

Forensic Reforms & Trial in Absentia: Stressing the importance of forensic science, Shah called for the immediate implementation of e-Sakshya to improve evidence collection. He also urged officials to utilize “Trial in Absentia” provisions to bring fugitive criminals back to India.

Shah noted that with insurgency almost eradicated in the Northeast, the police must now shift focus to protecting lives, property, and dignity. He reiterated that the three new criminal laws were introduced after an extensive 45-month deliberation process and would play a transformative role in ensuring justice across the region.