Odisha CM Reviews New Criminal Laws, Pushes for Tech-Driven Justice System

Odisha CM Reviews New Criminal Laws, Pushes for Tech-Driven Justice System

While reviewing the implementation of the three newly introduced criminal laws during a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the importance of conducting investigations and delivering justice through electronic means as much as possible. In a bid to expedite the justice delivery system, he recommended establishing video conferencing links between jails, hospitals, forensic laboratories, and courts, enabling witnesses to provide their testimonies remotely. These measures aim to modernise the justice system and improve its efficiency.

The chief minister further emphasised the importance of zero FIR and suggested implementing e-FIR, e-summon and e-evidence provision. “This would make the justice system simpler and more efficient, allowing for faster execution,” he added.

Majhi also directed the deployment of modern mobile forensic vans to strengthen the state's forensic capabilities. It was informed during the meeting that 32 such vans will soon be operational across the state to facilitate on-site forensic analysis and evidence collection.

Additionally, the Chief Minister instructed that cases related to mob lynching, terrorist activities, and organized crime should be investigated only by officers of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) or above. This directive is intended to ensure that such sensitive cases are handled with the appropriate level of authority and seriousness.

The meeting also underscored the need to strengthen the police, prison, prosecution, and judicial systems to ensure the effective implementation of the new criminal laws. The Chief Minister was apprised that more than 98 percent of police personnel and officers have already been trained in the new legal provisions. Modern technology is being leveraged to enhance the efficiency of investigations, while upgrades to forensic infrastructure are currently underway. In addition, 24/7 dedicated positions have been created for both forensic and cyber forensic experts to support this initiative.

The meeting further revealed that all jail staff have received training on the new laws, and measures are being taken to implement video conferencing facilities in prisons. To improve the prosecution rate, 267 new posts have been added to the prosecution cadre. Additionally, the Odisha Prosecution Rules will be amended in alignment with the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Act.