New Delhi: The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), celebrated its 54th Foundation Day at its Headquarters in New Delhi on August 28th, 2024. The Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, attended the event as Chief Guest. The Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Tapan Kumar Deka, Heads of Central Police Organizations (CPOs) and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), as well as senior officials of MHA and other departments, were also present.

On this occasion, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan delivered the Dr Anandswarup Gupta Memorial Lecture on the theme “New Criminal Laws – Citizen Centric Reforms.” In his lecture, Mohan emphasised the need for contemporary and relevant jurisprudence for law enforcement agencies to break the shackles of colonialism, in line with the ‘Panch Pran’ given by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and to address the evolving nature of crime. He stated that the new criminal laws, introduced under the guidance of the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, are victim-centric, aiming to provide justice rather than mere punishment.

Mohan highlighted various key features and new provisions of the laws, particularly those related to citizen-friendly measures such as zero FIR and e-FIR, the introduction of community service as a new form of punishment, and more lenient treatment of first-time offenders. He also discussed the inclusion of new provisions, such as the introduction of organised crime and terrorism, new penalties, and a greater focus on tackling offences against women and children. Additionally, he noted the increased emphasis on a scientific approach towards evidence collection, the enhanced utilisation of forensics, the digitisation of the investigation process, and the streamlining of various procedures for transparency, accountability, and timely redressal.

Mohan stressed that effective policing, law and order, and actions against crimes and criminals are essential for India to become the third-largest economy in the world. He underscored the paramount importance of the BPR&D in police modernisation and upgradation.

Congratulating the Bureau, the Union Home Secretary highlighted its role as the only Central Police Organization that connects all other police organisations and State/UT police forces through its function as the Think Tank of the Indian police. He applauded BPR&D's efforts in promoting excellence in policing through research, modernisation, training, and capacity building, particularly in training and publicity for the implementation of the New Criminal Laws. These efforts have resulted in the training of more than 9 lakh stakeholders across the criminal justice system.

A Special Edition of the Indian Police Journal, BPR&D’s flagship publication, on the theme of New Criminal Laws, was released by the Union Home Secretary on this occasion. A documentary produced by Doordarshan on the new laws was also released by Govind Mohan. At the event, the Union Home Secretary also honoured the recipients of the President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and President’s Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) for the years 2023 and 2024.

Director General of BPR&D, Rajeev Kumar Sharma, thanked the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, for his continuous support and guidance to the organisation.

Deputy National Security Advisor Pankaj Kumar Singh; the Director Generals of CRPF, BSF, ITBP, NDRF, RPF, NHRC, NTRO; Director of NIA; Director of NCRB; Commissioner of Delhi Police; DG (Awards) MHA; former Director Generals of BPR&D, among others, were also present on the occasion. /BI