Imran Shah
Kishtwar,DD, As the country transitions into a new legal framework with the rollout of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), Kishtwar Police is scripting a bold chapter of readiness and reform. In a significant development, the District Police Kishtwar today launched a 5-day intensive crash course to empower its officers with comprehensive understanding of the New Criminal Laws-2023—an initiative hailed as a model for other districts across Jammu & Kashmir.
The training, held at District Police Lines (DPL) Kishtwar, is being conducted under the guidance of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sh. Naresh Singh (JKPS), whose vision of a legally informed, ethically driven police force is rapidly taking shape on the ground.
From Colonial Codes to Citizen-Centric Justice
India’s criminal justice system, long governed by British-era laws like the IPC (1860), CrPC (1973), and Indian Evidence Act (1872), has finally entered a new chapter. These outdated laws have now been replaced by:
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – modernizing definitions and penalties
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) – expediting trial processes and enhancing victim rights
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) – introducing evidentiary reforms for the digital age
This landmark shift requires more than just notification—it demands ground-level execution. That’s exactly what Kishtwar Police is preparing for.
“Policing today is not just about force, it’s about knowledge, responsibility, and adaptability,” said Addl. SP Kishtwar Sh. Pardeep Singh Goria (JKPS) during the course inauguration. “These new laws require each officer to unlearn, relearn, and align with the evolving expectations of justice in India.”
Legal Literacy for the Real World
The first day’s sessions were spearheaded by I/C DySP DAR Kishtwar Shri Vijay Kumar, who delved into the structure, innovations, and legal implications of the three new legislations. Attendees, including station house officers and investigating officers from across the district, were taken through real-life case studies, comparative frameworks, and procedural nuances.
The sessions included:
Key changes in arrest and bail procedures
New classifications of offenses, including hate crimes and mob lynching
Emphasis on victim-centric justice and protection
Integration of technology in investigation and evidence recording
More than 50 officers participated on Day 1, signaling a high level of engagement and commitment to professional excellence.
Beyond Training: A Cultural Shift
What makes this initiative stand out is not just its timeliness but its depth and intent. It is part of a larger cultural shift within the Kishtwar Police — toward transparency, legal awareness, and community trust.
The department is also expected to roll out mock drills, courtroom simulations, and public outreach programs in the coming weeks to further cement the understanding and application of the new laws.
Setting a Precedent for Other Districts
While other districts are still catching up, Kishtwar has already taken the lead in not just disseminating but internalizing legal reforms. The message is loud and clear: Reform begins not in policy papers, but in police stations.
Legal experts and civil society stakeholders have lauded this initiative, calling it “a step in the right direction” toward building a responsive, responsible, and rights-oriented police force
“The strength of law lies not in its drafting, but in its implementation. Kishtwar Police is showing how it should be done.”Legal ExpertJammu University
As India embraces its post-colonial legal identity, Kishtwar Police has positioned itself as a flag-bearer of legal reform. In times where police reform is more of a debate than action, this initiative marks a defining moment—one that could set the tone for justice in New India.DD
