Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 31 July 2024
In a significant move towards enhancing law enforcement capabilities, the Andaman & Nicobar Police has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru. This collaboration aims to bolster the training and professional development of Investigating Officers (IOs) in light of the new criminal laws enacted recently.
The new laws, namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) – 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) – 2023, represent a significant overhaul of the criminal justice system in India. Recognising the need for a well-trained police force to implement these laws effectively, Admiral D.K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor of A & N Islands and Vice-Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, along with Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary of A & N Administration, approved the MoU for capacity building between NLSIU and the A & N Police.
Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, Director General of Police, A & N Islands, the Andaman & Nicobar Police had earlier outlined a comprehensive training program. This initiative focuses on enhancing the skills and knowledge of IOs regarding the new criminal laws, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle cases within the new legal framework.
The partnership with NLSIU, Bengaluru, one of India’s premier law institutions, is pivotal to this initiative. The MoU outlines a detailed training program designed to cover the intricacies and applications of the new laws. It aims to build capacity and foster professional growth among officers, ultimately leading to more effective law enforcement and judicial processes.
The proposal received robust support from the Hon’ble Lt. Governor and Chief Secretary, highlighting the strategic importance and administrative backing of this collaboration. The formal signing of the MoU is slated to take place soon, with the Vice Chancellor of NLSIU, Bengaluru, and the Director General of Police, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, set to officiate the ceremony.
This MoU marks a new chapter in the professional development of the Andaman & Nicobar Police force, underscoring the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is served effectively and efficiently.