Bhubaneswar, November 7: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has committed to make justice more accessible, pledging to bring legal services closer to citizens' homes.
In a meeting held in Lok Seva Bhawan, CM Majhi emphasized his government’s dedication to transparent and responsive policing, with reforms designed to simplify citizens’ access to justice.
CM Majhi announced that no police station may refuse an FIR, even if it falls outside its jurisdiction. This "Zero FIR" system allows any citizen to report a crime without delays, as the initial report will be transferred to the appropriate station. “Victims will no longer face procedural obstacles when reporting crimes,” Majhi stated, aiming to improve both access and accountability within the police force.
Majhi further introduced guidelines to protect vulnerable groups from unnecessary police summons. Police cannot call minors under 15, individuals over 60, or those with disabilities to stations unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, he set a 60-day deadline for resolving cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to expedite justice for young victims.
Reflecting on past governance, Majhi criticized the previous BJD administration for Odisha’s low conviction rates, citing a National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report that shows a conviction rate of just 9.3% for crimes against women and minors. “Our government is taking this issue seriously,” he declared, hinting at the possibility of establishing special courts to raise conviction rates and secure timely justice.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, also in attendance, outlined plans to expand rural judicial access through six new ‘Gram Nyayalayas’ (rural courts) as mediation centers, easing the burden on the judicial system. Harichandan also announced the formation of a law commission to review and modernize Odisha’s legal framework, eliminating outdated regulations.
