A one-day media workshop titled “Three New Criminal Laws” was conducted today in Imphal, aimed at familiarizing journalists with recent legislative changes. Organized by the Press Information Bureau, Imphal Regional Office under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, the workshop focused on three new laws that came into effect on July 1, 2024. These laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act.
Approximately 50 journalists from various media outlets across Imphal and other districts of Manipur participated in the workshop. SP (Prosecution) Manipur, Haobam Sanghamita, MPS, served as the key resource person, providing insights into the implications and applications of the new legal frameworks. Dr. Engam Pame, IIS, Director of PIB, Imphal, emphasized the pivotal role of media in disseminating awareness about the new laws among the public. He underscored that the success of governmental initiatives hinges on active citizen participation and support.
SP Haobam Sanghamita highlighted that the new laws mark a shift towards justice-oriented approaches, integrating advancements in technology for police investigations and courtroom procedures. She detailed that the legislations introduce new provisions for offenses like terrorism, mob lynching, organized crime, and impose stricter penalties for crimes against women and children. The inaugural session of the workshop saw the presence of special guests including Khogendro Khondram, President of Editors’ Guild Manipur, and Bijoy Kakchingtabam, President of All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU). Their presence underscored the importance of media in bridging information gaps and fostering transparency between the government and the public.