Evidence Act needs tobe amended: Governor

‘The 1872 law did not meet present-day requirements'

Governor H.R. Bhardwaj said here on Friday that the Indian Evidence Act must be amended to suit the needs of changing times.

Delivering the keynote address to mark the launch of the 86th foundation course for IPS officers at the Administrative Training Institute here, Mr. Bhardwaj said the existing Act, which was framed in 1872, did not meet the requirements of the present times. He said there were many shortcomings in it, which posed problems for witnesses while giving evidence. The Act must be amended to overcome these shortcomings, Mr. Bhardwaj said.

He urged the officers to devote themselves completely to solving cases. He noted that the rate of convictions had reduced over the years in crime-related cases. In this context, he stressed the importance of frequent legal refresher programmes.

Trend

He noted the emergence of cyber crime with the advent of information technology. Constant modernisation of the Police Department with stress on the emerging trends in cyber crime would help it to meet the challenges, the Governor said.

Mr. Bhardwaj said the police, administrators, politicians and other players in the field of public governance had to work hard to regain public faith and confidence. Lauding the performance of the Karnataka police, the Governor said there were States where policing was poor.

Director-General of the Administrative Training Institute, Amita Prasad, said it was for the first time that such a training programme was being conducted at the institute. She said the foundation programme for IPS officers was conducted at Missouri. In all, 65 officers from 12 States were participating in the 15-week programme, which would conclude in December.

The Governor released some publications and e-learning material on the occasion.