India presented its new criminal justice system and technology-driven crime prevention measures at the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held in Abu Dhabi. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal addressed the conference and outlined India’s recent reforms in criminal law, cyber security coordination and international legal cooperation.
Key facts
- Conference theme: “Accelerating crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law: Protecting people and planet and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the digital age”
- Three new Indian criminal laws presented: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam
- India’s cyber crime response mechanisms: Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
- Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) handles nearly 5,000 cases worth over AED 80 billion (approximately USD 21.8 billion)
- Partnership signed between India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC) and DIAC for knowledge exchange and dispute resolution
India’s new criminal laws and their focus
India has replaced its colonial-era criminal codes with three new laws designed for the modern era. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita replaces the Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam replaces the Indian Evidence Act. At the UN conference, the minister emphasised how these laws incorporate technology, speed up justice delivery, strengthen forensic investigation capabilities and prioritise digital-first procedures for filing cases and evidence gathering.
Digital response to cybercrime
India has set up two dedicated mechanisms to combat digital crimes. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) works to prevent and investigate cyber offences across the country. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal allows citizens to report online fraud and crimes directly. These systems enable faster complaint registration, help prevent financial fraud and allow authorities to quickly freeze accounts used by criminals to receive stolen money, known as mule accounts.
Strengthening India-UAE legal ties
The minister met with UAE’s Minister of Justice Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi to discuss expanding legal partnerships. A key development is the collaboration between the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC) and the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC). This partnership will involve sharing knowledge and best practices, providing professional training to arbitrators and legal professionals, running joint programmes and research initiatives, and developing digital mechanisms for resolving disputes without going to court. DIAC’s case load shows the scale of international commercial disputes: it handles nearly 5,000 cases annually worth over AED 80 billion.
Global cooperation on organised crime
The minister reiterated India’s commitment to zero tolerance against terrorism and called for stronger international cooperation on multiple fronts. He highlighted the need for coordinated action against drug trafficking, transnational wildlife crime, illegal logging and illegal dumping of toxic waste. The minister also met with Monika Juma, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to discuss deeper partnerships on combating drug-related offences and organised crime through stronger legal and judicial cooperation.
What this means for citizens and businesses
For ordinary citizens, the new criminal laws mean faster case resolution through digital procedures and better investigation standards. Those who fall victim to online fraud will find it easier to report crimes through the dedicated cyber crime portal. For businesses involved in international trade and investment, the expanded partnership between IIAC and DIAC improves access to efficient alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, potentially reducing the need for lengthy court proceedings to resolve commercial disagreements with international partners.
Broader context
India’s presentation at the UN Congress reflects its commitment to modernising its justice system while strengthening ties with other nations. The emphasis on digital innovation, technology-enabled enforcement and international cooperation positions India as a country moving towards a justice system adapted to 21st-century challenges like cybercrime, environmental crime and transnational organised crime.