New Law, New Hopes: Defining Terrorist Acts Will Make the Fight Against Terrorists More Decisive; E-FIR Facility Now Available
Summary
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has defined terrorist acts, which will make the fight against terrorism more decisive. Every police station will now have the facility for electronic information through e-FIR.
Details
Three new criminal laws have defined terrorist acts. Under Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), acts that threaten India's unity, integrity, sovereignty, security, economic security, or spread terror among any group are included.
This will bring a decisive turn in the fight against terrorism in the terrorism-affected region of Jammu and Kashmir, as police will no longer need to refer to different law books for such cases. This will strengthen actions against terrorists and their supporters.
Enhanced Legal Framework
Previously, laws like TADA and UAPA were used to combat terrorism. TADA has undergone changes, and debates around UAPA are ongoing. With the definition of terrorist acts in the BNS, the fight against terrorism will intensify through judicial processes alongside armed efforts.
Supporting Investigations and Trials
The new laws will aid investigation officers and trials. Earlier, those involved in nurturing terrorism would find legal loopholes to escape, but the new laws have closed these escape routes. Additionally, in light of increasing mob lynching incidents, the maximum punishment for such crimes is now the death penalty to ensure swift action.
Challenges in Implementing E-FIR
The three new laws include provisions for e-FIR through electronic information. This option will be available in 186 police stations across the state. However, the lack of internet connectivity in some police stations, especially in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, poses a challenge.
Filing E-FIR
Under Section 173 of the Indian Civil Code, there is a provision to file FIRs electronically. Victims won't need to visit police stations to file a case; they can do so online from anywhere. However, within three days, they must visit the station to sign a copy of the online application. Once an FIR is registered, the progress of the case can be tracked online using the FIR number.
Modern, Just Laws
The three new laws are designed to be fair to both victims and offenders and are easy to define. They specify the time frame for investigation and trial. Defining terrorist acts will accelerate the fight against terrorism, as it aids investigation officers during probes and trials. The laws also include the e-FIR facility.
Quotes
- "The laws are designed according to current times, ensuring justice for both victims and offenders. They are easy to define, with specified time frames for investigations and trials. The fight against terrorism will intensify with the definition of terrorist acts, aiding officers during investigations and trials. E-FIR facility is also available." - Kuldeep Khuda, Former DGP, Jammu and Kashmir.
- "I have participated in various programs with the police, providing necessary training to officers regarding these laws. The laws advocate for the rights of victims and include the e-FIR facility. Terrorist acts are defined, and the laws are prepared considering current times, with provisions for community service." - Subhash Gupta, Retired District and Sessions Judge.