Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Wednesday that India continued to bear the burden of colonial-era laws introduced as early as 1856, and were built on a mindset that treated the people of this country as subordinates and subjects, focusing on punishment rather than justice.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the exhibition on new criminal laws held at Bharat Mandapam on Wednesday, she noted that while governments came and went, few ever questioned the appropriateness of these laws for an independent India.
Criticising former governments, Gupta alleged that legislative amendments were often made for political gains, to preserve power, and strengthen vote banks, but not to serve the people.
She asserted that earlier frameworks were based on punishment, and not justice.
Appreciating the new legal reforms introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Delhi CM said the changes were aimed at dismantling colonial legacies and establishing a fair legal system.
She said the new framework is transformative and highlighted that its formation took extensive preparation with years of research, consultation with experts, and dedicated effort — under the leadership of PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
According to Gupta, these laws have been framed to instil trust in the justice delivery system among India’s 1.4 billion citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai said these three progressive laws through the technological innovations, and the new system ensures swift, fair, and transparent justice.
Special timelines have been set for crimes against women and children — with provisions to frame charges within 60 days and complete hearings within 45 days in grievous cases, he added.
Rai emphasized that the new laws are not merely about punishment, but delivering justice, and have been crafted to instil public trust, eliminate corruption, and implement a time-bound and tech-enabled justice system.
He said the changes are not just limited to legal reforms, but are towards a movement to foster societal trust and ensure safety.
It has also broadened legal education and capacity across the country, he added.