Guwahati, As the new criminal laws are set to come into effect across the country from Monday, Assamese translations needed by the state's police force and legal community are still not available.
These new laws, which will replace colonial-era laws, are currently being translated into Assamese, a senior police officer said on Thursday.
Senior advocate Shantanu Borthakur said, "The translation of the new laws into Assamese is a matter of concern. We have not yet received any communication from the government in this regard."
“We are not aware whether translation work is going on or not,” he said.
A police officer, who declined to be identified, said the translation was underway and was being handled by relevant government officials.
“As far as I know, the translation work is going on and should be completed soon,” the official said.
Another police officer said the absence of Assamese translation should not hinder the initial implementation of the new laws.
"This should not hinder implementation of the new laws, at least initially," the official commented.
Earlier, DGP GP Singh had assured that the police force is fully prepared to enforce the new laws that will come into effect across the country from July 1.
The force has been preparing for these new laws over the past three years since initial drafts were made public. Training sessions are underway for police officers, government prosecutors and judicial officers, Singh said.
The Indian Justice Code (BNS), the Indian Civil Defense Code (NSS), and the Indian Evidence Act (BSA) will replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively, from July 1.
These new laws, which will replace colonial-era laws, are currently being translated into Assamese, a senior police officer said on Thursday.
Senior advocate Shantanu Borthakur said, "The translation of the new laws into Assamese is a matter of concern. We have not yet received any communication from the government in this regard."
“We are not aware whether translation work is going on or not,” he said.
A police officer, who declined to be identified, said the translation was underway and was being handled by relevant government officials.
“As far as I know, the translation work is going on and should be completed soon,” the official said.
Another police officer said the absence of Assamese translation should not hinder the initial implementation of the new laws.
"This should not hinder implementation of the new laws, at least initially," the official commented.
Earlier, DGP GP Singh had assured that the police force is fully prepared to enforce the new laws that will come into effect across the country from July 1.
The force has been preparing for these new laws over the past three years since initial drafts were made public. Training sessions are underway for police officers, government prosecutors and judicial officers, Singh said.
The Indian Justice Code (BNS), the Indian Civil Defense Code (NSS), and the Indian Evidence Act (BSA) will replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively, from July 1.
