From FIR to Supreme Court, cases will be completed in 3 years under new criminal laws: Amit Shah

The transition from colonial-era penal laws to the new criminal codes represents a monumental shift in India's legal framework. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively. This overhaul, effective July 1, 2024, shifts the jurisprudential focus from 'punishment' to 'justice,' aligning with constitutional values. A key feature is the mandate for expeditious trials, addressing the chronic issue of judicial pendency (the backlog of cases in courts) that has long plagued the Indian justice system. The targeted three-year timeline for case completion, including Supreme Court appeals, necessitates significant capacity building within the judiciary and investigative agencies. UPSC aspirants should analyze the specific procedural changes introduced by these codes, such as the statutory timelines for filing chargesheets and delivering judgments, and evaluate their potential impact on Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty), which includes the right to a speedy trial.

The successful implementation of the new criminal codes heavily relies on the integration of technology and the modernization of investigative infrastructure. The new laws mandate the use of digital evidence, e-summons, online hearings, and video conferencing, aiming to streamline procedures and reduce delays. Furthermore, the emphasis on Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) is crucial for improving conviction rates through scientific evidence gathering. This transition requires a massive undertaking in terms of police training, upgrading IT infrastructure across police stations and courts, and establishing robust protocols for data security and privacy. The governance challenge lies in ensuring uniform implementation across states, given that 'Police' and 'Public Order' are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, while criminal law is in the Concurrent List. Aspirants must understand the practical hurdles in digitizing the criminal justice system and the importance of capacity building for law enforcement agencies.

The establishment of new milk processing infrastructure and the emphasis on dairy cooperatives highlight the government's strategy for rural economic empowerment and value addition in agriculture. India is the world's largest milk producer, but a significant portion of the dairy sector remains unorganized. The creation of the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021 signals a dedicated focus on strengthening cooperative models, which offer better price realization for farmers by eliminating intermediaries. The Minister noted that farmers could earn ₹55/litre through cooperatives compared to ₹35/litre in the open market, demonstrating the economic advantage of collectivization. This aligns with the broader goal of doubling farmers' income and promoting the White Revolution 2.0. For UPSC, it is vital to understand the role of cooperatives in rural development, the economic significance of the livestock sector (which contributes significantly to agricultural GDP), and how infrastructure investments like processing plants enhance supply chain efficiency and food security.