Pioneering Change: Challenges of Implementing Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita
Implementing the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) in rural Uttar Pradesh has proven to be a formidable task, fraught with technological and logistical hurdles.
Inaugural Struggles: Rehra Police Station’s Nightlong Effort
Located amidst the tranquil fields near Amroha, Rehra police station etched its name in history as the first in U.P. to register a case under BNS. The incident involved the tragic electrocution of Jagpal Singh, catalyzing a marathon effort by officers to comprehend and implement the intricate legal procedures mandated by the new law.
Technological Abyss: Challenges in Accessing Essential Resources
The antiquated infrastructure of Rehra police station posed immediate challenges. Officers, grappling with outdated facilities, labored overnight to procure and print the essential procedural documents required for the inaugural case. The absence of reliable mobile data and Wi-Fi connectivity further compounded their difficulties in accessing the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) software, essential for streamlined enforcement under BNS.
Training Dilemma: Adapting to Technological Advancements
While the introduction of CCTNS promised operational ease, the reality in rural U.P. paints a starkly different picture. Many officers, devoid of functional mobile phones, face an uphill battle in adopting video evidence procedures mandated by the new laws. Additional Director General Sunil Kumar Gupta’s assurances of forthcoming equipment upgrades, including tablets and cameras, underscore the ongoing technological disparities challenging law enforcement in remote regions.
Societal Adjustment: From IPC to BNS
Rakesh Kumar Mishra, SP (Crime) Bulandshahr, highlighted the cultural shift required in educating locals about the revised legal framework. Accustomed to referencing the now-defunct Indian Penal Code sections, rural residents express crimes using archaic numerical references, influenced in part by mainstream cinema’s portrayal of legal proceedings.
Forensic Preparedness: Scarcity amidst Mandated Requirements
The exigency for forensic expertise, mandated under BNS at major crime scenes, poses logistical hurdles in the expansive U.P. landscape. Presently, each district contends with limited forensic teams, raising concerns about timely response capabilities in remote crime scenes.
Success Amidst Struggles: Baradari Police Station’s Example
Contrasting the challenges faced, Baradari police station in Bareilly exemplified swift adaptation under BNS. Successfully recovering a missing child, the station leveraged CCTNS functionalities and anticipated further simplification through imminent police mobile applications.
Training Initiative: Scaling Knowledge Across the Force
Commencing with a comprehensive training blueprint since the law’s enactment in December, the U.P. Police Academy mobilized over 700 trainers. Notably, sessions conducted by eminent legal scholars from National Law University, Amity University, and Lucknow University fortified the cadre with theoretical and practical insights. Despite expedited training schedules ahead of impending elections, over one lakh officers received requisite instruction, with ongoing plans for refresher courses to sustain operational proficiency.
Key Learning Points
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Inaugural Implementation | Rehra police station pioneers BNS enforcement in U.P. |
| Technological Challenges | Access barriers to CCTNS in rural U.P. |
| Training and Education | Educational initiatives to acclimatize personnel with BNS |
| Cultural Shifts in Legal Awareness | Transition from IPC to BNS section references in rural discourse |
| Forensic Readiness | Challenges and improvements in forensic team availability |
| Operational Successes | Baradari police station’s proficient handling under BNS |
| Comprehensive Training | Institutionalized training approach for law implementation |
| Future Preparedness | Continued education and refresher courses for sustained readiness |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
