Nagaland University holds talk on new criminal laws

NU staff member secures patent for application

DIMAPUR — The department of Law at Nagaland University (NU), Lumami, organised an invited talk-cum-sensitisation programme on India's three new criminal laws on June 3. The event, held virtually, featured experts from the relevant field.

According to a press release, Dr. Kuldeep Singh Panwar, head of the department of Law at Nagaland University, speaking on the occasion, provided a brief history of the previous laws and highlighted their misuse. Panwar stated that the new criminal acts have been designed to address the social needs of the current time.

Furthermore, he emphasised the necessity for the implementation of new laws and reforms, as well as their sensitisation, in response to the changing times.

MK Sinha, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, asserted that many old laws became irrelevant after India completed 75 years of independence because they were enacted to suppress and rule rather than govern. He further stated that the objective of the new criminal laws is to deliver justice with efficiency and transparency.

JK Patnaik, Vice Chancellor, lauded the department for organising the programme and stated that the new laws represent a renewed examination of outdated legal texts.

He emphasised the necessity for a robust legal framework capable of addressing the challenges of the 21st century, where the security of the state and its citizens extends beyond physical realms alone. He stressed the importance of incorporating technology into the daily delivery of justice.

The resource persons at the talk were Ramesh Chandra Borpatra Gohain and Anas Tanwir. Gohain is the former dean and head of the PG department of Law at Gauhati University, and he has also served as the former advocate general of Assam as well as a designated senior advocate at the Guwahati High Court. Tanwir is an advocate on record at the Supreme Court of India.

Gohain analysed the new laws from the perspective of Indian culture, emphasising that the foundation of any law should stem from the people. He highlighted that criminal justice cannot solely rely on these three laws but also called for justice-delivering mechanisms to be appropriately equipped to address the changing circumstances of crimes.

Tanwir spoke on various topics, including forensic investigation, electronic modes of trial, the expansion of the concept of medical examination in rape cases, and the concept of zero FIR.

It was mentioned that on July 1, 2024, the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) will replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860; the Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) will replace the Indian Evidence Act, 1872; and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) will replace the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.

Patent for application

Ashish Kumar, Hindi officer and AR in-charge to the vice chancellor of Nagaland University, has secured a patent for an application designed to display Hindi stories, poems, and essays, as well as enable users to listen to them in various regional languages.

In an update from Nagaland University, it was mentioned that this unique feature promises to revolutionise the accessibility and enjoyment of Hindi literature across different linguistic demographics.

According to Kumar, this application is a unique endeavour that will enhance the way people engage with Hindi literature. He said that by bridging the gap between written and spoken word and accommodating multiple regional languages, it aims to reach a broader audience and foster a deeper appreciation for Hindi literary works.

The vice chancellor, registrar, and members of Nagaland University have extended their congratulations to Ashish Kumar for his work.

It was mentioned that Kumar is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Hindi language and literature from the university.