Republic Day 2026: New Criminal Laws and Tech-Driven Justice Take Centre Stage

Republic Day Tableau Highlights India’s Shift to a Modern Criminal Justice System

At the 77th Republic Day Parade , the Union Ministry of Home Affairs will use its tableau to highlight a landmark transformation in India’s criminal justice architecture. The display will focus on the nationwide implementation of three new criminal laws and the growing role of technology-enabled governance , presenting a justice system that is faster, more transparent, and citizen-oriented.

Moving Beyond Colonial-Era Criminal Laws

A central theme of the tableau is the replacement of colonial-era legislation with an indigenous legal framework. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita , Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita , and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam came into force on July 1, 2024 , replacing the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act respectively. These reforms aim to prioritise justice delivery over procedural delays and align criminal law with contemporary societal needs.

Technology at the Core of Justice Delivery

The tableau will visually depict how technology is reshaping investigations and trials. Digital evidence platforms such as e-Sakshya will be showcased to underline secure and standardised evidence collection. The National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) will represent biometric integration in investigations, while e-Summon and virtual court proceedings will reflect efforts to reduce pendency and improve procedural efficiency.

Integrated Criminal Justice Through ICJS

Another key focus is the Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) , which enables seamless data sharing and coordination among police, forensic units, prosecution, courts, and prisons. The tableau will illustrate this integration through visuals of mobile forensic units, centralised control rooms, CCTV-based surveillance, and rapid-response policing. Special emphasis will be placed on the increasing operational role of women police personnel , reinforcing inclusivity and responsiveness in law enforcement.

Making Law Accessible to Citizens

To underline transparency and inclusiveness, the tableau will feature multilingual representations of the new criminal law texts . This reflects the government’s effort to make legal reforms accessible across linguistic and regional boundaries, encouraging citizen awareness and trust in the justice system.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• India’s new criminal laws came into force on July 1, 2024

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita replaces the Indian Penal Code

• NAFIS enables nationwide biometric fingerprint matching

• ICJS integrates police, courts, prisons, prosecution and forensics digitally

A Symbol of Justice Reform at Republic Day

Through this tableau, the Home Ministry seeks to convey that criminal justice reform is central to India’s vision of efficient governance and rule of law . By combining legislative overhaul with digital integration, the display presents a justice system designed to be time-bound, technology-driven, and citizen-centric , aligning with the broader national goal of building a modern and inclusive India.