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DIMAPUR — Nagaland University (NU) organised a lecture programme to coincide with the enforcement of three new criminal laws of India, on July 1.
The ‘Lecture on three new criminal laws’ was held in hybrid mode, with the physical venue being the conference hall in the Examination Building, Nagaland University, Lumami, an update stated.
Chaired by Peter Ki, PRO of Nagaland University, the lecture featured two resource persons - Prof. Subhram Rajkhowa from USTM and former dean and head of the PG Department of Law at Gauhati University, delivered his lecture online, while Dr. Rumi Dhar, assistant professor in the Department of Law at Nagaland University, delivered her lecture in person.
Also read: Nagaland Police takes steps to implement new criminal laws
During his presentation, Rajkhowa provided background on the enactment of the three new criminal laws.
He also emphasised on key provisions of the BNSS Act, such as mandatory timelines for rape examinations within seven days, judgment within 30 days of concluding arguments (extendable), informing victims of investigation progress within 90 days, filing plea bargains within 30 days from the framing of charges, and framing charges within 60 days from the first hearing.
He further discussed the implications of the sedition laws in the country.
In her lecture, Dr. Rumi Dhar addressed the necessity of these new laws, explaining their key features and benefits for criminal law reforms in India. She highlighted advancements such as electronic trials, expanded provisions for medical examinations in rape cases, and the introduction of the concept of Zero FIR.
Following the lectures, there was a question and answer session where questions were directed to both resource persons.
Prof. JK Patnaik, VC of Nagaland University and the chief guest, underscored the need to shed colonial vestiges from the legal framework.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Ashish Kumar, Hindi officer and AR in-charge to the vice-chancellor.
It may be mentioned that Nagaland University had also organised an invited talk-cum-sensitisation programme and dissemination of information on the three new criminal laws on June 3 through virtual mode with experts from the relevant field.