Tamil Nadu Police Stations to Register FIRs Beyond Jurisdiction

Speedy summary:

• New Rules: The Tamil Nadu criminal Procedure Rules, 2025, have been notified by the Tamil Nadu Government too align its frameworks with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
• Key Provisions:

– Police stations can now electronically and physically transfer FIRs for cognisable offences outside their jurisdiction within 24 hours.
– Summons are digitally served via authenticated email, OTP-verified mobile numbers or messaging platforms and flagged for tracking.
– Mandatory maintainance of physical or electronic registers such as arrest intimation, summons issue records, complaints log (e-register), and final investigation reports.

• Technological Integration:

– Introduction of eSakshya Mobile App to manage evidence through geo-tagged SID packets that are immutable and hash-verifiable for use in courts.
– Digital certificates ensure tamper-proof submissions during judicial proceedings.

• Infrastructure Upgrade: Advanced hardware provisions like body cameras and training rollouts for police stations ensure digital compliance across all operational levels in Tamil Nadu police units.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The Tamil Nadu criminal Procedure Rules appear poised to strengthen procedural transparency and streamline law enforcement workflows. The integration of advanced digital platforms like eSakshya represents a significant leap toward efficiency-reducing bureaucratic delays while adhering strictly to rules on evidence submission. By institutionalizing mandatory registers at every stage from arrest clarifications to non-cognizable offences’ handling, the framework displays a strong commitment to both judicial processes’ accountability and complainants’ access rights.

Moreover, these measures highlight Tamil Nadu’s preparedness for adopting cutting-edge technology in criminal justice management-a potential template that other states may follow. however, its success hinges on effective technical adoption by personnel at various operational phases. Regular capacity-building programs cited could mitigate transitional hiccups while maximizing public trust towards state-run mechanisms aimed reform execution under BNSS alignment goals.

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