11-07-2025
It is only now a decisive step has been taken to repeal archaic colonial laws: Retired judge
The Department of Law at the Central University of Karnataka (CUK) in association with the Central Detective Training Institute, Bengaluru, and the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), Union Ministry of Home Affairs, organised a seminar on New Criminal Laws on Friday as part of the 'One Day, One University' campaign.
Delivering the keynote address, retired Principal Sessions and District Judge Kadloor Satyanarayanacharya described the recent overhaul of criminal laws as a long-overdue step in dismantling colonial legal legacies.
'Those old laws were imposed during colonial rule and for the past 74 years we have not considered revising or repealing them. It is only now, after the 75th year of Independence, that we have taken a decisive step to repeal those archaic colonial laws,' he said.
He further noted that legal reform is essential for maintaining social stability and upholding the liberties of citizens and the sovereignty of the nation as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Deputy Inspector-General of BPR&D Rajashekara N., who was the chief guest, emphasised that laws should be citizen-centric and urged police personnel to adopt updated procedural norms for effective investigations.
'Mechanisms such as zero FIRs and e-FIRs must be understood and implemented. Our students must familiarise themselves with these laws to protect their rights,' he said.
Presiding over the event, Registrar of Central University R.R. Biradar stressed the importance of legal reforms in responding to modern challenges.
'We must identify outdated colonial legislation and replace them with contemporary laws. As cybercrimes increase daily, our legal frameworks must evolve to keep pace,' he remarked.
Dean of the School of Legal Jurisprudence Studies Basavaraj M. Kubakaddi welcomed the gathering and provided the introductory remarks.
Faculty members Anant D. Chinchure, Renuka S. Gubbewad, Jayanta Boruah, Pavitra Alur, Chennaveer, Vijayendra Pandey, Ravi Khangai and research scholars and students from the Department of Law were present.
