In a significant development, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced the implementation of a Witness Protection Scheme to safeguard the safety and confidence of witnesses, essential for ensuring justice delivery. This announcement comes in the backdrop of the enactment of three new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—which came into effect on July 1, 2024.
Chief Minister Saha praised the transformative changes in India’s criminal justice system under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He highlighted that these new laws replace outdated colonial-era legislations with a modern, citizen-centric, and technology-driven justice delivery system.
The new legal framework now covers offenses such as terrorism, mob lynching, organized crime, crimes against women and children, and cybercrime, with stricter penalties. Saha emphasized that these reforms represent a significant shift towards a justice-focused approach, ensuring timely, transparent, and accessible justice for all.
A high-level meeting in Guwahati, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, reviewed the preparedness of Northeastern states in implementing the new laws. Chief Minister Saha mentioned that Tripura participated in the meeting and received guidance from the central government on improving implementation strategies.
Regarding the Witness Protection Scheme, Saha stressed the importance of providing a secure and supportive environment for witnesses to enhance the judicial process. He also highlighted the need for inter-departmental coordination to effectively implement the new laws.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister outlined holistic approaches to improve evidence collection and ensure prompt medical assistance in cases of rape. Under the new provisions, the Health Department must submit reports within seven days in rape cases, and victims will receive free treatment.
Saha assured the public that law and order in Tripura is currently stable and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening it further. The implementation of these new laws and initiatives reflects Tripura’s dedication to ensuring a just and safe society for its citizens.
