Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remarks highlighting the transformative impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision on India’s criminal justice system reflect a significant shift in the country’s approach towards justice delivery.
Shah emphasized that the PM Modi-led government is striving to make the justice system more people-centric and scientific, with the core aim of timely justice and public satisfaction.
This vision marks a critical departure from the archaic, often rigid, colonial-era criminal justice framework that has long been due for reform.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, the Centre has introduced a series of legislative, administrative, and technological reforms to revamp the justice system. From repealing obsolete laws to introducing new legislation like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, the government is making bold moves to simplify legal processes, enhance the use of forensic science, and strengthen victim-centric justice mechanisms.
These reforms are intended not just to improve conviction rates, but also to uphold the dignity and rights of every citizen, particularly the marginalized.
One of the most critical pillars of this reform is the drive to make justice accessible and time-bound. India has long suffered from judicial delays, with lakhs of cases pending across various courts.
The PM Modi led government has supported the use of technology—such as virtual courts, e-filing, and digital evidence systems—to cut down on delays and increase transparency.
Amit Shah’s emphasis on a “scientific” justice system points to the expanding use of forensic laboratories, AI-based crime tracking, and data analytics to ensure evidence-based investigations and faster trials.
Furthermore, the principle of “people-centric justice” means that the system should not intimidate the common man but serve as a reliable means to resolve grievances. Legal literacy campaigns, simplified FIR registrations, and victim support schemes are slowly creating a more empathetic and citizen-friendly legal environment. The emphasis is on ensuring that every victim or complainant not only receives legal remedy but also gains psychological assurance and social dignity through the process.
Importantly, the Union Home Minister has linked these reforms to the broader goal of creating a “safe, capable and competent India.”
A modern criminal justice system is not just about punishing the guilty, but also about ensuring national security, social trust, and economic confidence. Investors, citizens, and global observers look at the effectiveness of a country’s legal system when judging its stability and growth potential.
While the intentions and efforts are commendable, much still depends on robust implementation. States, being the primary actors in policing and administration of justice, must align with the Centre’s vision and invest in infrastructure, training, and judicial capacity.
Furthermore, judicial vacancies need urgent attention, and coordination between investigative agencies, judiciary, and legal aid services must be streamlined. |
