IPC, CrPC replaced by 'Swadesh Criminal Laws': Now, you will find it easier to approach police, file FIR. Here's how

Starting today, residents can approach the police more conveniently with the implementation of new laws. From July 1, they can file a First Information Report (FIR) online through portal. Additionally, crimes can be reported from outside the city via a zero FIR. These changes aim to ensure fairness with mandatory audio and video recordings of procedures like search, seizure, and questioning.

Timely and Accountable Procedures

The new laws also introduce specific deadlines for police procedures to enhance accountability and prevent unnecessary delays. With officers trained in the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), Police across the country are prepared for the rollout. "Till June 24, as many as 36,716 cops had been trained. We have now made subsidiary training units, which will train cops at the district level. This exercise will go on till every single cop has been trained in the new laws," said a Delhi senior officer. Training continues at the district level to ensure all officers are well-versed in the new regulations.

Technological Advancements

Delhi Police is considering procuring tablets for investigating officers to meet BNS requirements. These tablets, equipped with the police app e-praman and connected to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), will facilitate e-FIRs and online chargesheets. Officers will use these devices to capture videos and photos of crime scenes with GPS and time-tagging, ensuring authenticity. "There is emphasis on ensuring that the evidence collected is authentic and that the investigating officer is present at the crime scene. The hash value of this digital evidence will be preserved to rule out any tampering and ensuring unaltered evidence reaches the court," a senior cop said.

Ensuring Evidence Integrity

The new app and tablets will enable officers to upload videos directly to CCTNS, prioritizing the integrity of digital evidence. Hash values will be used to confirm the authenticity of digital files, with any changes indicating tampering. The cloud-based service will also provide a backup of case files and evidence. "If the hash value changes, it would mean there has been some modification or tampering. All changes will be recorded," said an official.