SHILLONG: The Home (Police) Department, Government of Meghalaya, on Thursday organised a Nyaya Sanhita Exhibition on New Criminal Laws at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, bringing together members of Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep, traditional heads, students, government officials, and other stakeholders to create awareness about India’s new criminal justice framework.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police), Prestone Tynsong, who also released Medleapr Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and launched the Investigation Monitoring Module, a digital initiative aimed at strengthening criminal investigations and improving case management across the state.
Addressing the gathering, Tynsong expressed his gratitude to the Dorbar Shnong, traditional institutions, educational institutions, and students for their active participation and continued cooperation with the government. He acknowledged the close coordination maintained between the government, law enforcement agencies, and traditional heads in promoting public awareness and community engagement.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the exhibition was organised following directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs to educate citizens about the country’s new criminal laws. He thanked the Director General of Police and the Home Department for successfully organising the programme despite various challenges.
Highlighting the significance of the exhibition, Tynsong said it provided participants with a unique opportunity to understand not only the theoretical aspects of the new laws but also their practical implementation through interactive displays and demonstrations. He noted that the exhibition would help citizens gain a better understanding of the provisions, procedures, and enforcement mechanisms under the new legal framework.
Referring to the historic reform of India’s criminal justice system, the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that the previous laws had remained in force for nearly 150 years since the colonial era. He said the enactment of the new criminal laws marked a transformative step in modernising the justice system and making it more citizen-centric. He informed that Meghalaya has been implementing the new laws since July 1, 2024, and has now completed nearly two years of its transition journey.
Speaking about the key principles guiding the implementation of the new laws, Tynsong highlighted what he termed as the “T3” approach—Timeline, Technology, and Trust. He stressed that timely investigation, the use of modern technology, and building public trust are essential for ensuring effective law enforcement and justice delivery.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged participants, particularly students and community leaders, to take the knowledge gained from the exhibition back to their homes and communities and share it with others. He observed that while many people are aware of the laws, there remains a need to improve public attitudes towards compliance and civic responsibility.
Drawing from his personal experience, Tynsong said laws should not be followed merely out of fear of punishment but should be respected because they are designed to protect citizens and ensure public safety. He called upon citizens to change negative perceptions regarding government regulations and recognise that policies and laws are formulated for the welfare of society as a whole.
He further emphasised that governments introduce regulations, SOPs, and policies in the interest of citizens and communities. He appealed to traditional heads and community leaders to help spread this message and encourage greater public cooperation in adhering to laws and regulations.
Highlighting recent advancements in forensic and investigative infrastructure, Tynsong noted that the state government has deployed forensic mobile vans in all twelve districts of Meghalaya. Equipped with modern tools and equipment, these mobile forensic units are expected to significantly improve evidence collection and support faster and more efficient investigations, particularly in remote and challenging areas.
The Deputy Chief Minister also stated that the new criminal laws aim to expedite investigations and reduce delays in filing charge sheets. He informed that the state has established a Directorate of Prosecution staffed by legal professionals from the Law Department, which is expected to enhance prosecution efficiency and help clear long-pending cases.
Expressing confidence in the outcome of the programme, Tynsong said the deliberations, technical sessions, and exhibition would contribute significantly to increasing public awareness and strengthening the implementation of the new criminal laws in Meghalaya.
Addressing the Gathering DGP I Nongrang said this is something that is absolutely news to us, we have had the previous criminal Law, the legacy of the British empire, 160 years letter on we as a free country have been able to enact very significant and very relevant new Laws.
She also said that lot of thing is change the very nature of crime have change,
The Department on this day felicitated the officers and Constable who work hard and fulfill their duties without fail.
The programme concluded with an appeal for collective participation in building a more informed, law-abiding, and responsible society under the framework of the new criminal justice system.
