Puducherry, Aug 9 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the three new criminal laws introduced by the Narendra Modi government are founded on three key pillars -- technology, timeline and trust -- and are aimed at ensuring faster and more effective delivery of justice to citizens.  

Addressing a ceremony after presenting the President’s Colour to the Puducherry Police at the Police Training School ground in Gorimedu, HM Shah said the new legal framework marked a significant shift from the colonial-era criminal justice system.

He said greater use of technology and clearly defined timelines for investigation and judicial procedures would help make the criminal justice system more efficient, transparent and citizen-centric.

Building public trust in the justice delivery mechanism was equally important, he added.

The three laws -- the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam -- replaced the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Indian Evidence Act respectively.

Congratulating the Puducherry Police on receiving the President’s Police Colour, HM Shah described the honour as one of the proudest moments in the history of any disciplined police force.

Despite having a strength of fewer than 5,000 personnel, the Puducherry Police carry the responsibility of maintaining law and order, ensuring internal security and protecting the Union Territory and its people, HM Shah said.

He also highlighted Puducherry’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage and said the police force had an important responsibility in safeguarding the dignity and security of the Union Territory.

With the conferment of the President’s Police Colour, Puducherry has become the 18th State or Union Territory in the country to receive the prestigious recognition.

The President’s Colour is regarded as the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a police force in recognition of its distinguished service and professional excellence.

Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, state Home Minister A. Namassivayam, Director General of Police Shalini Singh and other senior officials attended the ceremony.

HM Shah is also scheduled to participate in another programme in Puducherry later on Sunday. He will flag off a Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra at the Muruga Theatre Signal as part of events promoting the national flag and patriotic participation ahead of Independence Day.

--IANS