Amit Shah Says New Criminal Laws Will Replace ‘Fear’ With ‘Trust’ in Bengal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the implementation of the three new criminal laws in West Bengal would help establish rule of law, transparency and speedy justice, while replacing what he described as a culture of fear, syndicates and corruption.

Addressing an exhibition on the new laws in Siliguri, Shah said the previous West Bengal government had not issued notifications to implement the laws, alleging that their introduction would have disrupted syndicates, “cut money” and illegal toll collection. He said the government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari implemented the laws immediately after assuming office.

Shah said the new legal framework prioritises citizens’ dignity, property protection and victim-centric justice, with technology playing a key role. Provisions such as Zero FIR, e-FIR, electronic evidence and mandatory forensic investigations are aimed at making investigations faster and more transparent.

He said forensic visits and reports would be mandatory in cases carrying a punishment of more than seven years. Courts would also be required to accept electronic documents. According to Shah, after full implementation of the laws in the state within two years, justice in FIR-related cases could reach the Supreme Court within three years. Referring to past cases that took decades to conclude, Shah said the new system would transform justice delivery through “Technology, Transparency and Timeline.”

The Home Minister also announced that eight West Bengal district collectors had been authorised to grant citizenship to eligible refugees. He said the government would identify and deport infiltrators while ensuring citizenship for Hindu, Sikh and Jain refugees from neighbouring countries.

Shah said the state government had provided around 1,129 acres for border fencing and introduced toll-free mechanisms to address complaints related to cut money, syndicates and illegal toll collection. Highlighting welfare measures, he cited potato-movement reforms, the Seventh Pay Commission, 20% DA, youth age relaxation, farmer assistance, Ayushman Bharat coverage and new security and healthcare initiatives. Shah also claimed that the state government had completed 43% of its five-year manifesto commitments within 100 days, saying Bengal’s governance would now be judged by work and results rather than announcements.