MAHENDERGARH, 24.05.25-The Department of Law, Central University of Haryana (CUH), successfully organized a one-day workshop on the New Criminal Laws for police personnel of Mahendragarh District. The workshop aimed to create awareness and impart knowledge about the substantial changes introduced in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 in comparison to the erstwhile colonial-era laws.

The event commenced with an inaugural lecture by Dr. Pardeep Singh, Head and Dean of the School of Law, who emphasized the transformative shift from the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He highlighted that while the IPC was framed by the British with the primary intent of suppressing the ruled, the BNS has been enacted to foster a democratic framework—ensuring justice for both the State and the ruled. This evolution, he noted, marks a historic transition from an era of colonial subjugation to one of progressive justice, aligning India’s legal system with constitutional values and contemporary societal needs. He highlighted that the new laws are not merely a rebranding but incorporate significant reforms, including provisions for digital evidence, cybercrime, victim-centric justice, and gender neutrality.

Prof. Tankeshwar Kumar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, president over the inaugural session. In his presidential address, VC welcomed the participants and stressed the transformational shift in policing and investigation under the new laws. He underscored the importance of adapting to changes in criminal justice administration, particularly in handling cybercrimes and organized offences.

Renowned legal experts delivered insightful lectures on various aspects of the new criminal laws. Prof. Vageshwari Deswal (Law Centre-II, Delhi University) provided a detailed comparative analysis of the old and new laws, emphasizing their jurisprudential basis and victim-centric approach. She discussed key changes such as: Gender-neutral provisions, Witness protection and victim compensation, Removal of colonial-era offences (e.g., sedition, adultery), Introduction of new offences (mob lynching, organized crime, terrorism)
Advocate Rakesh Mehta (Senior Advocate, Narnaul) elaborated on the historical evolution of criminal laws and the rights of victims, including legal representation during case withdrawals. He also explained changes in definitions of offences like grievous hurt and procedural aspects of medico-legal reports.

Prof. Vandana Arora (Chairperson, Department of Law, Panjab University, Chandigarh) focused on investigation procedures, stressing the time-bound framework for police officers. She emphasized the need for proper FIR registration, evidence collection, and submission of police reports to ensure efficient justice delivery.

Shri Aman Pal Additional Standing Counsel, Chandigarh Administration) shared practical insights from courtroom experiences, lauding police personnel as "soldiers of law" and highlighting their pivotal role in implementing the new laws effectively.
The workshop underscored that the new criminal laws mark a paradigm shift from punitive colonial practices to a justice-oriented, rights-based system.

Prof. Anand Sharma, Former Dean of Students Welfare (DSW) delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all speakers, participants, and organizers. He advocated for more such workshops, especially for advocates and judicial officers, to ensure seamless implementation of the new laws.

Prof Suneel Kumar, Registrar, Prof. Renu Yadav, DSW along with faculty members of the Department of Law attended the workshop. Law students also participated actively to enhance their understanding of the evolving legal landscape.

The event concluded with a resolve to foster continued collaboration between academia, police, and legal practitioners for the effective enforcement of India’s progressive criminal justice reforms.