New criminal laws freed Indian Criminal Justice system from colonial legacy says VP Jagdeep Dhankar

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has said that people in public administration should be committed to the values of nationalism, the idea of a developed and united India and serving all Indian citizens without fear or favour. The Vice President was speaking at the 70th Annual Meeting of the General Body of the Indian Institute of Public Administration IIPA in New Delhi yesterday. 

Mr Dhankhar said the country is quickly jettisoning the colonial mindset. He said data is the bedrock and the fundamental premise of assessing needs of the society. The Vice President said it is data that dispels myths, makes people aware of the ground reality and is therefore quintessential to any governance that has people’s welfare at its heart.

Mr Dhankhar highlighted that new criminal laws – Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam – have unshackled Indian Criminal Justice system from colonial legacy. He noted that it is a monumental and revolutionary change that the ‘Dand’



Sanhita has now become the ‘Nyaya’ Sanhita, effecting improvements to protect the victim’s interests and carry out prosecution efficiently.

Mr Dhankhar further said that developing soft skills, emotional intelligence, and cultural competence among public officials is crucial so that officials can understand the struggles of the marginalized and the underprivileged. He further emphasized the need to enhance civil servants’ problem-solving abilities and reinforce ethical leadership, stating that while ethical standards are fundamental to our civilization, they require constant nurturing to withstand temptation. Drawing attention to the concern of digital marginalisation and the need for an inclusive approach, Mr Dhankhar stressed that while embracing technology we must also ensure that it does not create further divisions.

On the occasion, Mr Dhankhar conferred various awards including the Paul H Appleby Award and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Award for Academic Excellence.