West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to defer the implementation of the three criminal laws, which are set to be rolled out on July 1.
In a letter to the prime minister, Banerjee said the deferment would enable a renewed Parliamentary review of the criminal laws.
The new laws are the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act. The laws will replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 respectively.
The new laws aim to provide speedy justice to the citizens of the country and will strengthen the judicial and court management system.
“This approach would afford the newly elected people’s representatives the opportunity to thoroughly examine the proposed reforms, address concerns raised by various stakeholders, and ensure that the laws reflect the collective will and aspirations of the citizenry.
Such renewed parliamentary oversight/mandate would reinforce public confidence in the legislative process and enhance the legitimacy of the legal reforms,” Mamata wrote.
She also reminded PM Modi about two letters written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighting why extreme caution and due diligence are required in the matter.
“I had argued that the outgoing Lok Sabha should not pass the new Bills with such far-reaching significance in undue hurry. I had specifically said that it would be better if the newly elected Members of the Lok Sabha deliberate upon these extremely important legislations and reach a consensus. I now reiterate that point and request you to halt and review the whole subject anew,’ Mamata Banerjee wrote.
“Secondly, practically, the request for postponement stems from a pragmatic assessment of the challenges and preparatory work required for a smooth transition, particularly concerning the training of law enforcement personnel and judicial officers. Any far-reaching legal, change requires meticulous groundwork beforehand to ensure effective enforcement and administration and we do not have any reason to avert such homework,” she added in her letter.
Mamata further alleged in the letter that the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, did not involve the state government when it organised a conference in Kolkata on the topic on June 16. “This is highly objectionable and this should have been organized by the State Government as law & order is a State subject,” she wrote.
“We believe that this postponement will enable a renewed Parliamentary review/mandate, reinforce public trust in the legal system, and uphold the rule of law in our beloved country,” the West Bengal chief minister wrote.
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