Overview
Union Amit Shah told a gathering in Bhopal on 3 October 2026 that every criminal case, even those reaching the Supreme Court, will be disposed of within three years once the new criminal statutes are fully operational. The statement was made at the Gaupalak Sammelan and the inauguration of a state‑level exhibition on the new codes.
Key Developments
- Full implementation of the three new criminal codes – BNS, BNSS, and BSA – are expected to be in force within 12‑18 months.
- All FIRs (First Information Reports) filed after full rollout will see trial completion within three years, even if the matter proceeds to the Supreme Court.
- Modernisation measures such as digital evidence, e‑summons, online hearings, video conferencing and strengthened forensic science laboratories (FSL) are now part of the procedural framework.
- Specific provisions for women’s safety, missing children, terrorism and lynching have been incorporated.
- In the agricultural sector, Shah laid the foundation for a ₹255‑crore milk‑processing plant in Ujjain and inaugurated facilities in Bhopal and Shivpuri, highlighting the role of the Ministry of Cooperation.
Important Facts
The new codes came into force on 1 July 2024, replacing the colonial‑era IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act. Shah emphasized that the old statutes were designed to protect British rule, whereas the new framework aims to safeguard "honour, property and body of the Indian public". He also noted that India’s milk production has risen from 14.6 crore tonnes during the Congress‑led period to 25 crore tonnes in the last decade under the current government, with per‑capita milk availability increasing from 307 g/day (2013‑14) to 485 g/day now.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the overhaul of criminal law is essential for GS 2 (Polity) and GS 3 (Law & Justice). Aspirants should note the shift from colonial legislation to a technology‑driven, time‑bound justice system. The integration of digital tools aligns with the broader theme of e‑governance. The dairy sector initiatives illustrate the interplay of agriculture, cooperative governance, and economic growth – topics covered in GS 3 (Economy) and GS 4 (Ethics) when discussing welfare of marginal farmers.
Way Forward
For the promised three‑year disposal timeline to materialise, states must upgrade court infrastructure, train judicial officers in digital procedures, and expand FSL capacities. Continuous monitoring of case pendency data will be crucial. In the dairy sector, ensuring that cooperative mechanisms deliver the promised price of ₹55 per litre to cattle rearers will require robust supply‑chain management and transparent pricing policies.