Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha today said that the three new criminal laws will play a vital role in strengthening the judicial process in the future, adding that Tripura is the only state in the country to have organized an exhibition on the new laws.

He said citizens have already started benefiting from their implementation.

Dr. Saha made the remarks while inaugurating a state-level exhibition on the new criminal laws at the Indoor Exhibition Hall in Agartala.

At the event, Dr. Saha, who is also the Home Minister of the state, stressed that timely justice is crucial to maintaining people’s trust in the legal system.

“Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these groundbreaking laws were brought before us on July 1, 2024, and subsequently passed in Parliament. An important discussion was also held in Guwahati in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. After the passage of the bills, ensuring their effective implementation became a priority. As Chief Minister, I, along with the Chief Secretary and the DGP, was present in that meeting. The Union Home Minister asked what measures had been taken to implement the new criminal laws, and we presented all the necessary information,” Dr. Saha said.

Highlighting Tripura’s progress, the Chief Minister said the state is setting examples in many fields.

“Tripura is the only state to organize such an exhibition. At the all-India level, the state ranks first or second on several parameters. From officials to common citizens, everyone is aware and responsive. This five-day exhibition has been organized to provide a detailed understanding of the three new criminal laws,” he said.

The Chief Minister further said reforms are taking place across sectors.

“Deregulation is happening. Previous governments never took steps to replace colonial laws that had become obsolete since the British era. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, those changes are now being made. The state government is also working in this direction. We have passed many deregulations in the cabinet, ensuring citizen-friendly laws,” Dr. Saha said.

He added that the new criminal laws have simplified and strengthened procedures.

“Citizens can now file reports electronically without physically visiting a police station, ensuring both transparency and speed. Through Zero FIR, anyone can file a complaint from anywhere. If a person is arrested, he can immediately inform a close or known contact. The forensic team has been given a crucial role in investigating crimes. The new laws also prioritize cases related to women and children, mandating investigations to be completed within two months. Free hospital treatment has been arranged for women and children who are victims of crime,” he said.

MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, DGP Anurag, Home Department Secretary Abhishek Singh, Additional Director General M. Raja Murugan, G.S. Rao, and other senior officials attended the event as distinguished guests.