Firstpost Exclusive: India’s justice reforms take center stage in MHA’s Republic day tableau

At the media preview of the
Republic Day parade, the Ministry of Home Affairs tableau offered a glimpse into how India’s criminal justice system is being reshaped through new laws, technology, and greater participation of women in policing.

The tableau, presented by the Bureau of Police Research and Development, focuses on people-centric reforms, digital processes, and Nari Shakti as a central pillar of policing.

A key highlight of the tableau was the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the new criminal law that replaces the Indian Penal Code. Speaking in an exclusive interaction with
Firstpost, IPS officer Chaya Sharma, the official nodal officer for the tableau, said the new law has been designed to serve citizens more directly.

She explained that the idea behind the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is to make justice faster, simpler, and more accessible for ordinary people.

According to Sharma, the new law moves away from outdated procedures and places strong emphasis on time-bound justice.

Every stage of the criminal process, from registration of cases to investigation and trial, is expected to follow clear timelines. This, she said, is meant to reduce delays that often discourage victims from seeking justice.

Digital technology is central to this transformation. The tableau highlighted how judicial procedures are increasingly becoming paperless and tech-driven.

LED display panel depicts the increased use of
technology as enshrined in the new laws through various aspects of criminal justice system via lifting digital evidence using e- Sakshya, digital fingerprint analysis using NAFIS, virtual hearings through Nyay Shruti.

Sharma said digital systems allow better tracking of cases and accountability at every level. This ensures that investigations do not stall and that responsibility is clearly fixed.

One of the major technological features showcased was automated fingerprint identification under the Biometric Management System.

This system enables faster matching of fingerprints and criminal records, helping police identify suspects more efficiently. By relying on scientific evidence rather than confessions or manual records, investigations become more accurate and legally robust.

Forensic capacity was another important theme. The tableau showcased the concept of mobile forensic vans in every district. These vans are equipped to reach crime scenes quickly and collect evidence in a scientific manner.

Sharma said this reduces contamination of evidence and strengthens cases in court. The presence of forensic support at the district level ensures that even remote areas are not excluded from modern investigative tools.

Alongside law and technology, the tableau placed strong emphasis on
Nari Shakti. Women police officers featured prominently, both as performers and as symbolic representatives of leadership in law enforcement.

Six to eight women officers and performers were part of the tableau, reflecting the growing presence of women across policing roles.

Women officers were shown managing control rooms, marching alongside the tableau, and leading operations. Sharma said this representation was deliberate. She explained that women are now being encouraged and legally enabled to take on operational roles rather than being restricted to administrative duties.

The tableau showcased women commandos, women forensic experts, and women investigating officers.

These roles highlight how women are increasingly involved at every stage of the criminal justice process, from investigation to evidence analysis and field operations.

According to Sharma, this shift is not symbolic but structural, backed by recruitment policies and legal provisions aimed at increasing the number of women in policing.

Mobility and visibility of women officers were also highlighted through elements like pink scooties.

These two-wheelers, used by women police personnel in several states, represent independence, rapid response, and community-level policing.

Sharma said such initiatives help women officers reach citizens more easily, especially in cases involving women and children.

The tableau also conveyed that having more women in policing improves the quality of justice delivery.

“Women officers often play a critical role in handling cases related to sexual violence, domestic abuse, and trafficking,” asserts Sharma. Their presence encourages victims to come forward and builds trust between the police and the public.

From control rooms to crime scenes, the visual narrative of the tableau showed women as decision-makers and professionals.

Sharma said, “this reflects a broader change in mindset within policing institutions, where leadership is increasingly inclusive.”

Overall, the Ministry of Home Affairs tableau brought together multiple reforms under one theme. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita represents a shift towards people-first laws.

As India prepares to celebrate the 77th Republic Day, the tableau presents a vision of governance that focuses on everyday justice and public safety.

Through law reform, technology, and Nari Shakti, the Ministry of Home Affairs is projecting a criminal justice system that is modern, efficient, and rooted in the needs of citizens.