SHILLONG, June 19: Come July 1, the archaic Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS). The new set of laws will come into force also in Meghalaya from the same day.
The Cabinet on Wednesday approved the extension of the BNSS to Meghalaya by issuing a notification.
Earlier, the Centre notified that by July 1, the BNSS will come into force by replacing the CrPC and as such, there was a need for the state to notify the application of the new criminal laws to facilitate adjudication of criminal justice.
The BNSS was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 11 last year to replace the CrPC of 1973.
Since Meghalaya is transiting to a new set of laws, the Cabinet also approved the guidelines for compulsory Forensic Crime Scene Investigation.
Under this, it has become mandatory for the state to ensure that forensic experts visit the crime scene in certain categories of crime which are heinous in nature and where the punishment is of 7 years and above.
Now, mobile vehicles, which will serve as forensic investigation teams, will be available at all district headquarters. The teams will visit the crime scene in certain categories of crime.
In another decision, the Cabinet decentralised the reservation roster for district-level posts.
The district selection committee can now take a call on appointments without having to get the approval of the Personnel Department.