HM Shah Inaugurates Exhibition on New Criminal Laws in WB

• Amit Shah inaugurated an exhibition on the three new criminal laws in Siliguri.
• He said the new justice system will be technology-driven, transparent and time-bound.
• Shah claimed the new West Bengal government implemented the laws immediately after taking office.
• He also highlighted measures on border security, citizenship, and action against corruption and illegal syndicates.

GG News Bureau
Siliguri, 21st Aug: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated an exhibition on the three new criminal laws in Siliguri, West Bengal, asserting that the legislation would usher in a faster, transparent and victim-centric justice system powered by technology.

Addressing the gathering, Shah said the implementation of the new criminal laws had already commenced across the country but was delayed in West Bengal under the previous state government. He alleged that the earlier administration had refrained from implementing the laws to protect what he described as a culture of syndicates, illegal commissions and fear.

He said the new state government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari implemented the Naveen Nyaya Sanhitas immediately after assuming office, fulfilling its promise of replacing “fear with trust” in governance.

The Home Minister said the three new criminal laws prioritise citizens’ dignity, protection of property and timely justice by integrating technology into investigation and prosecution. He highlighted provisions such as e-FIR, Zero FIR, mandatory forensic investigations in serious crimes, and wider acceptance of electronic evidence in courts.

According to Shah, the reforms are designed to ensure faster investigation, prosecution and judicial proceedings. He said the objective is to enable justice delivery, including appeals up to the Supreme Court, within a defined time frame.

Emphasising that the new legal framework is victim-centric rather than punishment-centric, Shah said women and children would be among the biggest beneficiaries of the reforms. He added that the provisions would particularly assist victims of cybercrime, banking fraud and women facing crimes outside their home states.

The Home Minister also accused previous governments in West Bengal of fostering violence and lawlessness, citing incidents of crimes against women and political violence. He said the new administration was committed to restoring the rule of law in the state.

On border security, Shah said the West Bengal government had provided around 1,129 acres of land to strengthen border infrastructure. He reiterated the Centre’s policy of granting citizenship to eligible religious minorities from neighbouring countries while maintaining a firm approach to identifying and deporting illegal infiltrators.

He also announced toll-free helplines to enable citizens to report illegal demands for “cut money”, syndicate activities and unlawful toll collection, stating that strict action would be taken against offenders.

Highlighting welfare measures, Shah said the state government had initiated the implementation of Ayushman Bharat, approved the Seventh Pay Commission, announced dearness allowance benefits, enhanced financial assistance for women, increased support for farmers and begun work on a cancer hospital in North Bengal.

The Union Home Minister said the state government had completed a significant portion of its election promises within its first 100 days and expressed confidence that West Bengal would move towards a governance model based on law, development and public welfare.