Bhubaneswar: Biju Patnaik State Police Academy(BPSPA) organized a significant workshop on “New Criminal Law” for senior police officers at the Police Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
The workshop, inaugurated by Director General of Police, Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, aimed to familiarize officers with the fundamental aspects of the three newly enacted laws.
Director BPSPA, Sanjeeb Panda welcomed the dignitaries while outlining the issues on Police Training Program. Shri Panda detailed out the purpose of such workshop, which is highly relevant in view of the changing circumstances and new laws enacted by the Union Government.
Distinguished Speakers included Dharam Chand Jain, former Special Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Padmini Singh, Director of Prosecution, CBI.
They served as Resource Persons, providing in-depth discussions on various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (the new Indian Penal Code), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) (the new Indian National Security Code), and the new Indian Evidence Act (Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam).
DGP Shri Khurania emphasized the pivotal role senior police officers will play in the effective implementation and grassroots application of these amended laws. He urged officers to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights and dignity with unwavering determination and professionalism, envisioning these reforms as a milestone in the Indian judicial system. He called for strengthening public trust in the judicial system and reiterated that the new criminal laws should be justice-centric, rather than solely punishment-centric.
The DGP highlighted that these new laws represent a historic shift in the judicial system, poised to bring about significant changes in the democratic, constitutional, and socio-cultural fabric of modern India. Recognizing the police as the primary agency for implementing these laws, he advised every officer to thoroughly understand both the letter and spirit of the legislation for effective application in their work.
He expressed optimism that the new legal framework would enhance investigations, ensure justice for victims, and leverage technology. The DGP specifically pointed out the broader definitions of heinous crimes such as terrorism, organized murder, and organized crime under the new law. He also noted the promotion of digital tools like time limits, electronic summons, e-FIRs, video recording of statements, and digital forensics, emphasizing how these amended laws mark a major transformation in the criminal justice system by prioritizing victim justice, technology-driven investigations, and time-bound processes.
The workshop saw the participation of all senior police officers stationed in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack in person, while Superintendents of Police from all districts, Commandants of all battalions, and Police Officers from all police ranges attended virtually. IGP Training, Anup Sahu, expertly conducted the workshop proceedings.