Agartala: CM Manik Saha on Sunday announced that the state govt has implemented a witness protection scheme to ensure the safety and cooperation of witnesses, a critical aspect in the delivery of justice, reports Biswendu Bhattacharjee.Addressing a workshop of three criminal laws here Saha said the initiative is part of the state’s commitment to effectively implement the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which came into force from July 1, 2024. “These laws are a testament to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah. They reflect a shift from colonial-era frameworks towards a justice-driven, technology-enabled system that is citizen-centric, victim-friendly and time-bound,” he said.He noted that new offences such as terrorism, mob lynching, and organised crime have been incorporated, which were previously missing from the legal framework. Moreover, the new laws provide stricter penalties for crimes against women and children, ensuring faster and more transparent justice. Recalling a meeting chaired by Shah in Guwahati on March 16, 2025, the CM said discussions were held with all northeastern states to monitor the preparedness for implementing these laws.
