Shillong, June 18: The Home (Police) Department, Government of Meghalaya, on Thursday organised a Nyaya Sanhita Exhibition on the new criminal laws at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, to create awareness about India’s new criminal justice framework among traditional leaders, students, government officials, and other stakeholders.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Home (Police), Prestone Tynsong, who also released the Meghalaya Police’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and launched the Investigation Monitoring Module, a digital initiative aimed at strengthening criminal investigations and improving case management across the State.
The programme was attended by members of Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep, traditional heads, students, officials, and representatives from various institutions.
Addressing the gathering, Tynsong expressed his appreciation to the Dorbar Shnong, traditional institutions, educational institutions, and students for their active participation and continued cooperation with the government.
He highlighted the importance of coordination between the government, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders in creating greater awareness about the new legal framework.
He said the exhibition was organised in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs to educate citizens about the newly enacted criminal laws. He also thanked the Director General of Police and the Home Department for successfully organising the event despite various challenges.
Highlighting the importance of the exhibition, the Deputy Chief Minister said the platform provided participants with an opportunity to understand both the provisions of the new laws and their practical implementation through interactive displays and demonstrations.
He said such initiatives would enable citizens to better understand legal procedures, enforcement mechanisms, and their role in the justice delivery system.
Speaking on the guiding principles for implementing the new laws, Tynsong highlighted the “T3” approach — Timeline, Technology, and Trust. He stressed that timely investigation, effective use of technology, and strengthening public confidence are crucial for ensuring efficient policing and justice delivery.
He urged students and community leaders to share the knowledge gained from the exhibition with their respective communities, stating that awareness of laws must be accompanied by a stronger sense of civic responsibility and compliance.
Highlighting improvements in forensic infrastructure, Tynsong informed that forensic mobile vans have been deployed in all twelve districts of Meghalaya.
Equipped with modern tools and technology, these units are expected to enhance evidence collection and support faster investigations, particularly in remote and difficult areas.
He further stated that the new criminal laws are aimed at expediting investigations and reducing delays in the submission of charge sheets. He informed that the State has also established a Directorate of Prosecution with legal professionals from the Law Department to improve prosecution efficiency and assist in clearing pending cases.
Meanwhile, Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang said the introduction of the new criminal laws marks a significant transition for the country.
“This is something that is absolutely new to us. We have had the previous criminal laws, which were a legacy of the British era. After 160 years, as a free country, we have been able to enact very significant and relevant new laws,” she said.
The DGP pointed out that the nature of crime has changed considerably over the years, requiring a modern legal framework and improved investigative approaches. She said the new laws would help address contemporary challenges and strengthen the criminal justice system.
During the programme, the Department also felicitated police officers and personnel who had demonstrated dedication and commitment in the discharge of their duties.
The event concluded with an appeal for collective participation in creating a more informed, law-abiding, and responsible society through better understanding and implementation of the new criminal justice framework.
