Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the implementation of three new criminal laws in the Union Territory has been “by and large” successful. Speaking to reporters outside the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) office after attending a review meeting, Abdullah highlighted the importance of educating the public about the provisions of the new Acts.
The meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was also attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and senior officials. Abdullah mentioned that the meeting focused on identifying shortcomings and areas for improvement to ensure the smooth implementation of the laws.
Shah informed that a similar exercise had been conducted in 11 other states and Union Territories. Abdullah added that, while a few issues had arisen in Jammu and Kashmir, they would be addressed promptly.
The Chief Minister emphasized that although the implementation of the new laws was not the responsibility of the elected government, it was crucial to raise public awareness about them. He suggested efforts to spread awareness in colleges, universities, and other places.
Abdullah also clarified that the meeting did not discuss law and order issues, as these were addressed in a previous meeting with Shah. Regarding his absence from two recent security review meetings, Abdullah explained that if the elected government is not invited, there is little they can do.
On the issue of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s dissent during a recent meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Abdullah supported Gandhi’s right to disagree, saying that it is his role to voice an alternative opinion.
The three new laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. These laws came into effect on July 1 last year.
