K'taka police ready to implement new criminal laws, but deliberations still on

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Additional Director General of Police, Traffic and Road Safety, Alok Kumar on Thursday said that the police is ready to implement the three new laws, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023.

According to sources, Bengaluru police have even got technical help to do its job right as an app has been created for the reference of policemen until they become absolutely adept at handling cases under the new laws. The senior official said that all personnel from the Armed Reserve and special units have been trained in the laws.

The expansion of technological infrastructure like integration with Crime and Criminal Tracking Network Systems (CCTNS) and Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) has also been completed.

As the Karnataka government is considering introducing amendments at the state level to change the new criminal laws, the ADGP admitted that there are a few issues in implementing the new laws but said that they would be resolved very soon. Alok Kumar said, "There are some issues with regard to the interpretation of Section 187 of BNSS and Section 111 of BNS. Section 111 of BNS provides for the punishment of organised crime. The problem is that Karnataka already has the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act 2000 (KCOCA). Similarly, Section 113 of BNS provides for definition and punishment of terrorist acts and we already have the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act," he said.

Law Minister HK Patil said the Central government should defer the implementation of the new criminal laws until it included the recommendations suggested by the state government last year.

On Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda's statement that the new laws are being implemented, the minister said, "As Law Minister, I am empowered to amend the new rules. Although cases are being booked under the new laws, the police will have to follow revised rules after the state amends it," he said.