West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the postponement of the three new criminal laws with just 9 days left for its nationwide implementation.
According to a report by IANS, a lack of preparedness has been reflected in the letter and it states that preparatory work for a smooth transition to the new system is not over.
"Practically, the request for postponement stems from a pragmatic assessment of the challenges and preparatory work required for smooth transition, particularly concerning the training programme of law enforcement personnel and Judicial Officers,” the West Bengal CM said.
She has also emphasised that any extensive legal change requires meticulous groundwork beforehand to ensure effective enforcement and administration.
“And we do not have any reason to avert the homework,” the Chief Minister’s letter read.
The report also cites sources in the state secretariat Nabanna said the process of updating the curriculum at police training schools was yet to be completed regarding the provisions of the three new criminal laws namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
They have also said that the lack of coordination between the Centre and state governments on this issue is a hurdle in implementing the preparatory and training programmes and that the CM has expressed concerns about it. This was brought forth on June 16 when the Union Ministry of Law and Justice had organised a seminar on the subject in Kolkata, the state government had shared the grievance about the Union ministry not involving the West Bengal government in the matter.
“This is highly objectionable and this should have been organised by the state government as law and order is a state subject,” said the letter.
Union Law and Justice minister said the three new criminal laws will come into force from July 1.
The three criminal laws were passed by the Parliament last year in December and received the presidential assent the same year. However, it did not come into force as the Centre deferred its notification. On February 25, the government announced that the three laws would take effect from July 1.