During a workshop held on recent amendments in Criminal Procedure Code(CrPC) to sensitise prosecuting agencies like police, civil administrators and advocates, District legal Services Authority(DlSA), Rayagada District Judge and Chairman Biswajit Das said, “The CrPC is the guiding force of the entire judiciary system. It is both accused friendly and appears to be victim friendly. The State’s exemplary compensation to the victims has certainly shown the way.”
like a baby is secured in the womb during birth and after birth and just like a baby, an accused is defended pre, during and post arrest and trial. In spite of this, it is unfortunate that generally the accused does not speak the truth during trial in the court. Nevertheless, the prosecuting agencies should not be slaves of procedural diktats. When justice itself is the victim and justice cries for justice, it is wise even to violate mechanical procedures to ensure justice to the needy for leading a life with dignity, he said.
Passing on the responsibilities to each other by playing a blame game and pulling each other’s legs will lead us nowhere. To err is human. So let’s be collectively responsible for collective failure. Above all the court of laws is the court of conscience which should guide us all, he said further.
Das agreed that these kinds of marathon intellectual exercises sponsored by DlSA are meant for mutual learning and guidance for justice and sought cooperation from the District Bar Association and the district administration to take the process forward by conducting theme based workshops.
DIG of Police, South-West Range, S Saini, who joined as chief guest on the occasion, pointed out about blatant loopholes in the investigation process and advised the Investigating Officers (IOs) to be cautious about the documentation of the case by doing away with unnecessary paper work. She expected a dialogue after each presentation by the resource person.
Sub-Collector, Gunupur Amrit Rituraj explained about the role of executive magistrates in taking up preventive measures to prevent breach of peace. “The CrPC does not define public nuisance. Animal rights have also to be taken care of. The magistrate has to apply his mind with respect to law and human rights. Convergence of learning and action by law keepers, prosecutors is a befitting step in this regard,” said Rituraj.
Special Public Prosecutor Braja Sundar Nayak explained the recent amendments in ST, SC Atrocities Act.
Among others, Rayagada ASP Patitapaban Choudhury, Senior Civil Judge Rudra Prasad Mohapatra, Nyayadhikari, Gram Nyayalaya Kolnara Dr Mamata Mohanty, Registrar, Civil Courts-cum-STC, Rayagada Dr Indu Sharma, senior counsel VSS Raju, Bar association president Bishnu Prasad Panda spoke.
The workshop, also attended by CJM Dr Irshadun Nabi, top police officers of the district, SP, Collector and senior advocates, was moderated by DlSA secretary Hrushikesh Sahoo.