Srinagar: The ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) has directed investigating agencies to make their men aware about new laws that have been implemented post October 31 in the new Union Territory.
Jammu and Kashmir’s State Ranbir Code (RPC) has been replaced with Indian Penal Code (IPC) after Parliament abrogated Article 370 that guaranteed special status to the erstwhile state.
A senior official told newsagency KNS that MHA has directed police department to make its men aware about the IPC.
“A workshop was also held at seminar hall of police headquarters Humhama where investigating agencies were told about the sections in IPC. They were told under what sections cases should be registered. They were also made aware how to issue summons and call witnesses,” the official said.
The official said similar workshops would be held in other districts in coming weeks. “Heads of police stations have also been directed to make their men aware about new laws in Jammu and Kashmir,” the official said.
An official of Law Department said officials of police department can also seek help from law officers about relevant laws and sections. “Law officers have also been told to make investigating agencies aware about new laws,” the official said.
The official however said there were minor differences between IPC and RPC.
Similarly, investigating agencies have also been told that probe in offences committed before October 31 would continue under RPC.
“Only those cases will be investigated under IPC which have been committed after October 31,” the official said.
The departments have also been making relevant changes in the documents based on these central laws. “There will be a lot of changes on official records as per the new laws,” the official said.
Law Department has been directed to provide assistance to departments for implementation of central laws. “The advocate general, additional advocate generals will also help departments for making necessary amendments in their rules,” a source said.
The anti-graft bodies are also working under Prevention of Corruption Act, the central law which was earlier not applicable in the erstwhile state.
At least 164 state laws were repealed from November 1 when Jammu and Kashmir officially became a Union Territory while 106 central laws were implemented. (KNS)
