New criminal laws effective from July 1 include several key provisions and guidelines for police enforcement. Officers must register a First Information Report (FIR) regardless of jurisdiction issues, known as a zero FIR, with penalties for non-compliance. Information can now be submitted electronically, requiring it to be signed within three days. Videography is mandated during police searches and crime scene documentation, necessitating proper training and equipment for investigators.
The National Informatics Centre has launched the ‘eSakshya’ app for capturing evidence, which is geo-tagged and time-stamped. Police stations must display information about arrested persons, and there are restrictions on arresting frail or elderly individuals without higher officer approval. Medical practitioners must submit rape victim reports within seven days.
Investigations under the POCSO Act must be completed within two months, and a chain of custody for electronic evidence is emphasized to prevent tampering. Officers are required to update the informant or victim on investigation progress within 90 days. Lastly, new definitions for "terrorist acts" are established, placing responsibility on senior officers to determine case registration under this or the UAPA.