Exhibition At Bharat Mandapam Showcases New Criminal Laws And Tech-Driven Transformation In Justice System

A special exhibition is being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from July 1 to 6, 2025, to mark the first anniversary of the implementation of India’s new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—which came into effect on July 1, 2024.

The exhibition aims to raise awareness about the key provisions of this legal framework. It also highlights the seamless integration of technology and institutional coordination across the five core pillars of the criminal justice system:

• Police,
• Hospitals,
• Forensic Departments,
• Prosecution, and
• Judiciary

Designed as an immersive and interactive experience, the exhibition, however, showcases the entire journey of a criminal case. It covers every stage—from the initial crime report to investigation, evidence collection, trial, and appeal. This journey is presented through a blend of audio-visuals, animations, and live enactments.

It is divided into nine thematic stations, each representing a stage in the criminal justice process. These stations, however, showcase how the new laws and digital tools are reshaping law enforcement and judicial procedures.

Key reforms on display

Key technological and legal reforms featured in the exhibition include the mandatory presence of forensic experts at crime scenes in cases where the punishment exceeds seven years. This ensures greater scientific accuracy.

The eSakshya platform enables tamper-proof digital collection and storage of evidence. Under eForensics 2.0, case exhibits are now electronically transferred to forensic labs via CCTNS, significantly reducing delays.

The MedLEaPR app, however, facilitates the direct and secure transfer of medico-legal case (MLC) and post-mortem reports from hospitals to investigating agencies.

Another major reform is the extended window for police custody remand. It allows officers to seek custody at any point within 60 days of arrest, offering greater flexibility in complex investigations.

Draft chargesheets can now be shared digitally with prosecutors using Object Storage, eliminating file size constraints and speeding up scrutiny.

Witnesses can now testify via video conferencing, enhancing convenience and safety.

Biometric and facial recognition tools such as NAFIS and Chitrakhoji are being employed to identify repeat offenders more effectively.

The new laws also allow for trial in absentia under specific conditions, addressing delays caused by absconding accused persons.

Notably, Jail Superintendents are now mandated to proactively file bail applications for undertrial prisoners who have served one-third of the maximum sentence.

This exhibition underscores the shift in India’s criminal justice system from a purely punitive model to one that is more efficient, evidence-based, and victim-centric. It highlights the use of technology at every stage.

The exhibition is open to the public and invites participation from law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, academics, and civil society members. It offers a first-hand look at how legal reforms are driving systemic transformation.

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