Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 26: The Director General of Police (DGP), J&K, R R Swain, has sanctioned Rs 8.23 lakh in order to generate awareness among the people of Jammu and Kashmir about the sweeping changes in the new criminal laws.
The allocated funds will fuel a series of awareness camps and debates tailored to engage diverse demographics, including youth from schools and colleges, as well as women.
Recognizing the importance of grassroots engagement, district police heads have been instructed to extend these programs to sub-division levels, ensuring widespread comprehension and participation.
The significance of these new laws lies in their departure from colonial-era statutes, which primarily served the interests of the British regime through punitive measures.
Conversely, the ethos of the revamped legislation is rooted in upholding the fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution, prioritizing justice over mere retribution.
Designed to ensure equitable treatment to the accused as well as the victim, the laws spotlight modernizing investigation techniques through technological advancements.
Emphasizing efficiency and fairness, these measures tackle terrorism, organized crime, and emerging challenges such as cybercrime and Ponzi schemes.
Noteworthy provisions include augmented penalties for certain offenses and the introduction of new categories like offenses against the state and mob lynching.
Moreover, the expanded definition of documents to include electronic records underscores the laws’ adaptability to contemporary realities.
A key feature is the digitization of the legal process from FIR registration to judgment delivery, enhancing transparency and expediency. Mandatory videography during search and seizure operations further bolsters accountability, safeguarding innocent citizens from wrongful implications.
In a significant stride towards accessibility, the introduction of e-FIR streamlines reporting procedures, while designated police officers in every district and police station will ensure prompt notification of arrests to families both online and in person.
Notably, victim empowerment is prioritized through mandatory victim statements, particularly in cases of sexual violence, recorded via video testimony, amplifying their voices and ensuring their rights are upheld.
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