Imphal: Manipur Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, IAS, has proposed the inclusion of the Meitei/Meetei language, the state’s local language, in the filing of FIRs. He argued that this change would help people better communicate their complaints and grievances.
Joshi made this suggestion during a seminar-cum-training program for Master Trainers on the three new Criminal Laws, organized by the Law and Legislative Affairs Department of the Government of Manipur on Thursday.
At the event, Joshi emphasized the importance of using the public’s language to avoid common misinterpretations. He discussed the significance of the three new laws enacted by the Parliament—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023—which will come into force on July 1, 2024. Joshi highlighted that these laws replace outdated British-era legislation, marking a significant change for a New India and aiming to provide justice to citizens.
Joshi also underscored the media’s critical role, including print, electronic, and social media, in disseminating accurate information about the new criminal laws to the public. He urged media outlets to ensure that correct information reaches every individual in the state.
Director General of Police, Manipur, Rajiv Singh, IPS, also spoke at the program, highlighting the major changes brought about by the new Criminal Laws in the Indian Criminal Justice System. He appealed for public support and cooperation in implementing these laws effectively and thanked the Law and Legislative Affairs Department for organizing the seminar.
The event saw the attendance of Justice Kh. Nobin Singh (Retd.), Director of Manipur Judicial Academy; Ch. Momon Singh, Assistant Professor at LMS Law College, DMU; Nungshitombi Athokpam, Commissioner (Law), Government of Manipur; lawyers; and police officials.
In the second session, Ch. Momon Singh presented a paper on the three new Criminal Laws, with a focus on the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Justice Kh. Nobin Singh provided another presentation on the new laws, detailing the perspectives, roles, functions, and responsibilities of stakeholders. Additionally, Deputy Secretary (Law) Smt. Suzane Thingbaijam gave a PowerPoint presentation.
The third session featured an interaction program moderated by Justice Kh. Nobin Singh and Ch. Momon Singh, concluding with recommendations announced by Justice Kh. Nobin Singh.
