Judicial officers attend sensitisation prog on BNSS provisions

Jammu, July 27: Under the patronage of Acting Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Tashi Rabstan, and guidance of the Chairperson and Members of the Governing Committee for J&K Judicial Academy, a two-day sensitisation programme was organised at the Jammu Campus, Janipur here.
The programme titled “The relevant provisions of BNSS on arrest, remand, and bail with special reference to the Role of Trial Judges in ensuring just, fair, and speedy trial (as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution)”, was attended by Judicial Officers (Sr/Jr Division) across the Jammu division along with Trainee Civil Judges (Jr Division), through both physical and virtual modes.
The training programme was inaugurated by Justice Rahul Bharti, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and member of the Governing Committee for J&K Judicial Academy, in the presence of Justice Atul Sreedharan, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, who served as the resource person for the opening session.
In his introductory remarks, Justice Rahul Bharti quoted Michelangelo, emphasizing that ensuring the dignity of an individual is at the core of the Indian Constitution’s preamble. He highlighted the importance of sensitivity towards litigants in uplifting society. Justice Bharti shared real-life illustrations, underscoring that while institutions do not have an expiry date, the contributions of individuals sustain them for future generations.
During the first session, Justice Atul Sreedharan, in his opening remarks, quoted former Chief Justice of MP High Court, Justice Akil Kureshi, stating, “Judges have no personal ambition and you have nothing to fear.” Justice Sreedharan outlined the powers and duties of magistrates and urged judicial officers to adopt a judicial approach, ensuring justice is administered according to the law.
“A speedy trial is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, which mandates that no person shall be deprived of life or liberty except by the due process of law. The session was interactive, covering various aspects of the topic,” he said.
In the second session, Rajinder Saproo, Registrar Rules, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, provided an overview of the Provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), governing arrest, remand, and bail. He discussed the principles governing remand to police or judicial custody and recent amendments, including special provisions for specific cases such as transgender individuals and mothers with children under six.
Y.P. Bourney, Director of the J&K Judicial Academy, who will chair the session on the second day as the Resource Person, conducted the proceedings of the two-day sensitization programme.
All sessions were highly interactive, with participants actively sharing experiences, discussing various aspects of the subjects, and raising queries, which were addressed satisfactorily by the resource persons.