The Meghalaya Cabinet accepted three important provisions under the new criminal codes that went into force statewide on July 1, 2024, marking a significant step towards alignment with national criminal law reforms. These regulations are part of the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, according to Cyril VD Diengdoh, Commissioner and Secretary of the Home (Police) Department. “These rules were provided as model guidelines by the Ministry of Home Affairs,” Diengdoh said. “After due consultation with the Honourable High Court of Meghalaya, as required by procedure, and with their consent, the Cabinet has approved these three new rules.”
According to the first regulation, the Meghalaya e-Sakshya Management Rules 2025, all electronic evidence, including photos and videos, that the police gather must be safely uploaded to a mobile app known as e-Sakshya. “This system will be protected with a 16-digit code and hashtag and will be integrated with both the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) and the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS),” he stated. “Once uploaded, a unique ID is generated, ensuring the evidence remains tamper-proof and can be used in court.”