Dhanbad: IIT-ISM Dhanbad marked the adoption of three new criminal laws with a series of events, including an expert talk and a poster-making competition. The day-long activities were organized by the Office of the Dean, Corporate Communications, and included participation from students, employees, and research scholars.
Dr. PK Agarwal, Former Judge under the Judicature of Calcutta High Court, delivered a guest lecture titled “Decoding BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita),” which was a highlight of the day’s events. His lecture was part of the activities commemorating the enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Bharatiya Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, which replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, 1860; Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973; and Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
The events kicked off at 11 a.m. at the Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre (GJLT) Dome with a poster-making competition on themes such as gender neutrality, crimes against women and children, the right to participation, transparency, and access to justice. Nine participants showcased their creative interpretations on these critical issues.
Following the competition, Dr. PK Agarwal addressed a gathering of students, research scholars, staff, officers, and faculty members, with IIT (ISM) administration led by Director Professor Sukumar Mishra in attendance. Dr. Agarwal highlighted the victim-centric approach of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, emphasizing strict penalties for crimes against women and children and ensuring victims are recognized as stakeholders in the legal process.
Dr. Agarwal detailed various provisions of the new laws, noting that section 95 of the BNS penalizes the exploitation of children and sections 96, 98, and 99 address the procurement of children for labor and prostitution. He also pointed out that offenses against women and children have been made gender-neutral regarding both victims and perpetrators.
In his address, Professor Sukumar Mishra praised the adoption of the new criminal laws as a groundbreaking initiative to overhaul the criminal justice system. He specifically mentioned Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which prescribes the death penalty or life imprisonment for group murders motivated by race, caste, community, sex, place of birth, language, or personal belief.
Professor Rajni Singh, Dean of Corporate Communications, welcomed the audience and introduced Dr. Agarwal, emphasizing the significance of replacing archaic British colonial laws with the new legislation. Other dignitaries present included Professor Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director; Professor MK Singh, Dean of Academic Affairs; Professor Amit Rai Dixit, Dean of Infrastructure; and Registrar Shri Prabodh Pandey.
The campus was adorned with posters and standees detailing the provisions of the new criminal laws, placed in prominent locations such as the Ramdhani Tea Stall, canteen, various hostels, and administrative buildings.
