DNLU Jabalpur Inaugurates Boot Camp on New Criminal Laws: BNS, BNSS & BSA

23rd November 2024, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh – Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, successfully inaugurated a Two-Day Boot Camp on December 23, 2024, focusing on India's newly enacted criminal laws: Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). The event was organized by the Centre for Criminal Justice Administration and Research in collaboration with the Centre for Legislative Research & Reforms (CLRR).

Inaugural Ceremony Highlights

The event commenced with a warm welcome by Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of DNLU. Prof. Sinha emphasized the importance of understanding and discussing these new laws, noting their critical role in societal reform and modernization of the legal framework.

The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Shri Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh, Judge of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh, delivered the inaugural address. Justice Singh applauded the organizers for hosting this vital initiative and stressed the need for effective implementation of these legislative changes. His address highlighted the potential of the new laws to bring about transformative societal improvements.

Dr. Mukulita Vijayawargiya, Founder of CLRR, graced the occasion with her presence. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Manwendra Kumar Tiwari, Associate Professor of Law, while Ms. Bhagyshree Agarwal, Teaching Associate, conducted the event as the Master of Ceremony.

Interactive Sessions Led by Legal Experts

Spanning two days, the boot camp (December 23–24, 2024) featured hybrid-mode sessions led by renowned experts in criminal law, including:

• Dr. Mukulita Vijayawargiya – Founder, CLRR
• Dr. Dharmendra Tada – District and Additional Sessions Judge, Bhopal
• Mr. Sameer Kumar Mishra – Civil Judge Senior Division, Jabalpur
• Mr. Utkarsh Kumar Sonkar – Advocate, M.P. High Court
• Mr. Anubhav Jha – Assistant Professor, RGNUL
• Mr. Harsh Singh Bahrawat – Registrar (Admin)
• Mr. Gautam Gupta – Director, CJAR
• Dr. Sankalp Singh – Assistant Professor, DNLU

The sessions drew participation from over 100 attendees from across the country, fostering rich discussions on the application and implications of the new legal frameworks.

Leadership and Team Efforts

The boot camp was meticulously planned under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor of DNLU, along with Dr. Praveen Tripathi, Registrar (In-charge), and Shri S.N. Khare, Retired District Judge. Key contributions came from Mr. Gautam Gupta (Director, CJAR), Dr. Mukulita Vijayawargiya (Founder, CLRR), Dr. Sankalp Singh (Assistant Professor), and a dedicated team of faculty and student members from the Centre for Criminal Justice Administration and Research.

A Step Towards Legal Reformation

The event underscores DNLU's commitment to fostering awareness and dialogue on critical legal reforms. By bridging academic insights and practical applications, the boot camp served as a platform for professionals, academicians, and students to engage with the new laws shaping India's criminal justice system.