Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 22 May 2024
In preparation for the newly enacted criminal laws set to take effect on July 1, 2024, the South Andaman District Police have conducted extensive two-day awareness campaigns aimed at educating various segments of society. The campaign, designed to ensure the effective implementation of these laws, saw police officials engaging with the public across multiple locations within the district.
Spanning areas such as Haddo, Chatham, Junglighat, Beodnabad, Wimberlygunj, Lamba Pahad, Ograbraj, Nimbu Bagicha, Fish Landing Center – Guptapara, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Neil Kendra, and Hutbay, the awareness programs were spearheaded by officers of varying ranks, including Dy.SPs, Inspectors, and other police personnel.
The initiative successfully reached a diverse audience of 1,000 individuals, including members of the general public, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI), Anganwadi members, the fishing community, women, and Self-Help Groups. The events featured presentations, banners, and pamphlets aimed at informing participants about the new laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). These laws are set to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act, respectively.
The awareness programs emphasised the key changes and features of the new laws, highlighting their citizen-friendly nature, focus on women and children, and increased emphasis on community participation, transparency, and technological advancements.
By fostering such interactions, the South Andaman District Police aim to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community, ensuring that the public is well-informed and engaged in the transition to these new legal frameworks.