My colleague in the Union Cabinet, Shri Amit Shah, Administrator of Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria ji, my fellow Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Satnam Singh Sandhu ji, other dignitaries present, ladies and gentlemen,
Coming to Chandigarh feels like being among my own people. Chandigarh’s identity is linked to the name of Shakti-Swaroopa Maa Chandika. Maa Chandi, the embodiment of power, establishes truth and justice. This very spirit forms the foundation of the entire framework of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. At a time when the nation is advancing with the resolve of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), and as we mark 75 years of our Constitution, the commencement of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita inspired by constitutional ideals is a significant milestone. It is a concrete effort toward realizing the ideals envisioned by our Constitution for citizens. Just now, I observed a live demonstration of how these laws will be implemented. I urge everyone—law students, members of the Bar, and judiciary officials, if convenient—to witness this demonstration. On this occasion, I extend my best wishes to all citizens for the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and congratulate everyone associated with the Chandigarh administration.
Friends,
The new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is not only comprehensive but also created through an extensive process. It embodies the hard work of several constitutional and legal experts. The Ministry of Home Affairs sought suggestions on this in January 2020. The guidance and input of the Chief Justices of the country were significant. High Court Chief Justices provided immense support, along with the Supreme Court, 16 High Courts, judicial academies, numerous law institutions, civil society members, and other intellectuals. These stakeholders deliberated for years, sharing their experiences and discussing the country's needs from a modern perspective. Challenges faced by the judiciary in seven decades of independence were deeply analysed, and the practicality of each law was scrutinized. After rigorous evaluation on futuristic parameters, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita took its present form. I extend my gratitude to the Supreme Court, honorable judges, all High Courts, especially the Haryana and Punjab High Court. I also extend my gratitude to the Bar for stepping forward and taking ownership of this new Nyaya Sanhita. All members of the Bar deserve immense appreciation and recognition. I am confident that this Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, created with everyone's cooperation, will prove to be a milestone in Bharat’s journey of justice.
Friends,
Our country achieved independence in 1947. Imagine, after centuries of subjugation, when our nation was finally free— when the dawn of independence came after generations of waiting and sacrifices by countless dedicated individuals—what were the dreams and the country was filled with enthusiasm. People hoped that along with the departure of the British, their oppressive laws would also end. After all, these very laws were the tools of British exploitation and tyranny. In 1857, and to my young friends, I would like to remind you, the first major struggle for the country’s independence was fought. The 1857 freedom movement shook the foundations of British rule and posed a significant challenge across every corner of the country. In response to this, three years later, in 1860, the British introduced the Indian Penal Code (IPC). A few years later, they brought the Indian Evidence Act, followed by the framework of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC). The primary intent and mindset behind these laws were to punish and subjugate Indians, ensuring their continued enslavement. Unfortunately, even after independence, for decades, our laws revolved around this punitive framework and penal mindset—designed to treat citizens as subordinates. While minor reforms were attempted over time, the fundamental character of these laws remained unchanged. In a free nation, why should we carry the burden of laws designed for enslaved people? This question was neither asked by us nor seriously considered by those in power. This colonial mindset significantly hindered Bharat’s progress and developmental journey.
Friends,
The country must break free from the colonial mindset, and the nation's capabilities should be directed towards nation-building. For this, a national perspective was essential. That’s why, on August 15, I presented from the Red Fort the resolution to liberate the nation from the mentality of slavery. Now, through the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Nagarik Sanhita, the country has taken another significant step in this direction. Our justice system is empowering the principle of "of the people, by the people, for the people," which forms the foundation of democracy.
Friends,
The Nyaya Sanhita is woven with the ideas of equality, harmony, and social justice. We have always heard that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. However, the practical reality often tells a different story. The poor and the vulnerable have historically feared the very mention of the law. They avoided stepping into courts, police stations, or legal proceedings as much as possible. Now, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will work to change this social psychology. It will instil confidence among people that the nation’s laws guarantee equality. This is the essence of true social justice, the very assurance that our Constitution promises.
Friends,
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita are filled with sensitivity towards every victim. It is equally important for the citizens of the country to be aware of its intricacies. Therefore, I would like to suggest that the live demo shown here in Chandigarh should be disseminated by every state's police force in their respective areas. For example, within 90 days of a complaint, the victim must be informed about the progress of the case. This information will be delivered directly to them through digital services like SMS. A system has been created to take action against individuals who obstruct police work. A separate chapter has been included in the Nyaya Sanhita for the safety of women. This chapter covers women’s rights and safety in workplaces, as well as their and children's rights in homes and society. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita ensures that the law stands with the victim. Another significant provision has been included: in cases of heinous crimes like rape, the charge sheet must be framed within 60 days from the first hearing. Additionally, it is now mandatory that a decision must be delivered within 45 days after the completion of hearings. It has also been stipulated that no case can be adjourned more than twice.
Friends,
The core principle of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is "Citizen First!" This law is becoming the protector of civil rights, the foundation of 'ease of justice.' Previously, even filing an FIR was a difficult task. But now, zero FIRs have been legally recognized, and citizens have the convenience of registering a case from anywhere. The victim is entitled to receive a copy of the FIR. If a case needs to be withdrawn against an accused, it can only be done with the victim's consent. The police can no longer detain anyone at their discretion. It is mandatory for the police to inform the detainee’s family, as per the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Another aspect of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is its humanity and sensitivity. The accused can no longer be kept in jail for a prolonged period without punishment. Now, for crimes punishable with less than three years of imprisonment, arrest can only be made with the approval of higher authorities. For minor offenses, there is a provision for mandatory bail. Additionally, for minor crimes, community service is offered as an alternative to punishment. This will provide the accused with an opportunity to contribute positively to society. The Nyaya Sanhita is also very sensitive to first-time offenders. The citizens of the country will also be pleased to know that thousands of prisoners who were incarcerated due to old laws have been released after the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. You can imagine how a new system, a new law, can empower civil rights to great heights.
Friends,
The first measure of justice is delivering justice on time. We’ve all heard and said, "Justice delayed is justice denied." This is why, our nation has taken a significant step toward swift justice through the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. The focus has been placed on filing charge-sheets and delivering verdicts quickly. A time limit has been set for completing every phase of a case. While this system has been implemented only a few months ago, it still requires time to mature. However, even in this short span of time, the changes we are witnessing and the information coming from different parts of the country are truly satisfying and encouraging. You all are aware that here in Chandigarh, in a vehicle theft case, the accused was sentenced within just 2 months and 11 days after the FIR was filed. In another case of causing public disturbance, the court delivered a verdict in only 20 days. In Delhi, a case from FIR to sentencing took merely 60 days, with the accused receiving a 20-year sentence. Similarly, in a murder case in Chhapra, Bihar, the entire process—from FIR to verdict—took just 14 days, resulting in a life sentence for the culprits. These decisions demonstrate the strength and impact of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These changes also show that when a government is dedicated to the welfare of ordinary citizens and sincerely addresses public grievances, change happens, and results follow. I want these verdicts to be widely discussed across the nation so that every citizen becomes aware of how much their power to seek justice has grown. This will also send a clear message to criminals that the days of endless delays are over.
Friends,
Rules and laws are only effective when they remain relevant to their times. The world is changing rapidly, and so are the methods of crime and criminals. How could a system rooted in the 19th century remain practical in today’s world? This is why we have not only made these laws more Indian but also modernized them. For example, we’ve seen how digital evidence is now considered a crucial form of proof. The process of evidence collection is now mandatorily videographed to ensure it is tamper-proof. To implement these laws effectively, tools such as eSakshya, Nyaya Shruti, Nyaya Setu, and the e-Summon Portal have been developed. Courts and police can now directly issue summons electronically, and witness statements can be audio-video recorded. Digital evidence will also be admissible in court and serve as the basis for justice. Examples include matching fingerprints in theft cases, matching DNA samples in rape cases, or comparing the bullet recovered from a victim with the firearm confiscated from the accused in murder cases. These, along with video evidence, will now form a solid legal basis.
Friends,
This will significantly reduce unnecessary delays in apprehending criminals. These changes are equally vital for national security. The integration of digital evidence and technology will aid us in fighting terrorism more effectively. New laws now prevent terrorists or terrorist organizations from exploiting legal complexities to their advantage.
Friends,
The new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita will enhance the productivity of every department and accelerate the country's progress. Legal bottlenecks, which previously fuelled corruption, will now be curtailed. Earlier, many foreign investors hesitated to invest in Bharat because they feared getting embroiled in legal battles for years. With these fears alleviated, investment will increase, strengthening the nation’s economy.
Friends,
The law of the country is for the citizens. Hence, legal processes must also be citizen-friendly. However, under the old system, the process itself became punishment. In a healthy society, laws should empower people. Yet, under the IPC, fear of the law was the only approach—one that often intimidated honest people more than criminals. For example, people were hesitant to help accident victims on the road, fearing they’d get entangled in legal hassles. Now, those who help are free from such troubles. Similarly, we abolished over 1,500 outdated laws from the British era. When these laws were repealed, people were shocked to learn what kinds of laws we had been burdened with.
Friends,
For the law to empower citizens, we need to broaden our perspective. Why I am stressing this is that while some laws get significant attention—as they should—others that are equally vital remain overlooked. For instance, there was much discussion about the abrogation of Article 370, the law against triple talaq, and the recent debates around Waqf Board laws. But we must equally emphasize laws that enhance citizens’ dignity and pride. For example, today is the International Day of Divyangs (Persons with Disabilities). The Divyangs are our family members. But in the old laws, Divyangs were categorized in ways that were deeply disrespectful, using terms that no civilized society could accept. It was we who first began referring to this group as Divyang, freeing them from the stigma of demeaning words. In 2016, we implemented the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, which was not just a law for Divyangs but a movement to make society more compassionate and inclusive. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is now laying the foundation for significant societal transformation. Similarly, laws concerning transgender rights, the Mediation Act, and the GST Act are just a few examples of the many transformative legislations that deserve more positive and extensive discussion.
Friends,
The strength of a nation lies in its citizens, and the strength of citizens lies in the law. That is why people proudly say, "I am a law-abiding citizen." This commitment to the law is a great national asset. It is our collective responsibility to ensure this trust in the law remains intact. I urge every department, agency, officer, and police personnel to understand the new provisions and their intent. I particularly appeal to all state governments to actively work toward implementing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita effectively so that their impact is visible on the ground. I once again emphasise that citizens must also be well-informed about their rights under these new laws. We must collectively make efforts in this regard. The more effectively these laws are implemented, the brighter our future will be. This future will shape not only your life but also the lives of your children, determining your service satisfaction and overall experience. I firmly believe that together, we will work in this direction and strengthen our role in nation-building. With this, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you and to all the citizens of the country on the adoption of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. I salute the vibrant atmosphere of Chandigarh, your love, and your enthusiasm as I conclude my address.
Thank you very much!
