Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said that India’s new criminal laws will strengthen the country’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and help remove terrorism from society.
Speaking at J&K Police Public School Bemina, Sinha said that the new laws have replaced colonial-era criminal justice rules after nearly 150 years.
He said this marks a historic shift, freeing India’s justice system from the remnants of colonial rule and focusing on protecting vulnerable groups.
“These three laws have completely transformed our criminal justice system and shifted the focus toward victims rather than just punishment,” Sinha said.
He said the process began in 2019 when PM Modi ordered a review of all British-era laws. “Since then, feedback was collected from all states and union territories to shape new laws, which aim to create justice and equality for all”.
Sinha added new laws have ended the colonial system of oppression, abolished the old imperial legal framework, and made forensic investigation mandatory for serious crimes.
He also emphasised the need for public awareness about these changes, stating that the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Education Department, and Legal Services Department should continue to organize awareness campaigns.
“I am pleased that the Crime Branch Kashmir has organised this campaign. I hope similar efforts will be made by Crime Branch Jammu and at the district level,” he said.
Sinha also said for the first time, terrorism has been clearly defined in Indian law as acts that threaten national unity, public safety, or peace. “These measures will strengthen zero tolerance against terrorism and help cleanse the region of its effects”.
