The Jammu and Kashmir police on Monday filed a slew of cases under the new criminal laws, sparking a debate with proponents lauding them as necessary reforms for justice and detractors raising concerns about their potential misuse.

The J&K administration organised several “implantation ceremonies” across the Union Territory to commend the Centre and raise awareness about the new laws.

Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha’s administration hailed the developments as the dawn of a new era of justice. However, the move has stirred controversy among politicians in the Valley, with former chief minister Omar Abdullah expressing concern
over the potential negative impact it would have on Jammu and Kashmir, which till 2019 and before the abrogation of Article 370 had its own penal code.

“Everything starts with Jammu and Kashmir. This is what we fear. Such laws are used against people of Jammu and Kashmir first. After that other countries (rest of the country) face its impact,” Omar told reporters after reports of FIRs registered under the new criminal laws.

Anantnag police were the first to report filing an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, its spokesperson calling it a “historic event” and a “new era in justice delivery”. Other districts in the Valley followed suit.

Later in the day, the additional director-general of police, Jammu, Anand Jain, took to X revealing the successful registration of a case in Doda district under the new laws.

“FIR No. 170/2024 U/S 281/125-A BNS at police station Doda marks a new era of justice,” he wrote on X.

Sinha congratulated the police on the FIRs with an official spokesperson saying it was a historic day in the Indian criminal justice system. “To mark this momentous occasion, lieutenant governor Shri Manoj Sinha presided over the implementation ceremony of the new laws in J&K at the police headquarters,” he said.

“The new laws will ensure justice and equality for all, moving away from the repressive colonial framework. The reforms, rooted in the principles of liberty and fraternity, are a testament to our commitment to protect the vulnerable and ensure justice for all,” Sinha said.

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah “for bringing the much-needed reforms” and ridding the country of laws made by the British.

Director-general of police Rashmi Ranjan Swain, who was at the event, told reporters that the Centre has struck a great balance as it ensures public as well as national security. “How will you win the war? It should not happen that safeguarding individual rights you will sink the boat in which you are riding,” he said.