HNLU holds workshop on Era of New Criminal Laws in India

The Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, in collaboration with the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) conducted a two-day workshop titled 'Era of New Criminal Laws in India' on February 27-28, 2025.

The workshop saw the presence of eminent personalities, including former judge of the Madras High Court and Distinguished Jurist Professor, HNLU, former Justice PN Prakash; Additional Director General, NACIN, Bhopal, Dr Kavita Bhatnagar (IRS); and Chairman, FDPPI, Privacy and Data Protection Consultant, Vijayshankar Nagarajrao.

The workshop focused on legislative amendments, procedural changes, and enforcement mechanisms related to tax offenses, featuring distinguished legal experts and academicians. The workshop recorded the participation of the IRS officers across India.

Prior to the workshop, NACIN and HNLU entered into a Memorandum of Understanding last year to explore new possible domains and create synergistic collaboration.

Day 1 of the workshop began with an inaugural address by Additional Director, NACIN, Raipur, Shailendra Kumar (IRS), who elaborated upon the tax administration and enforcement mechanisms in the evolving legal landscape.

Justice PN Prakash delivered two compelling sessions, namely on "Navigating the New Criminal Laws: Implications on Financial Offenses, Justice Delivery and Future Reforms" and "Enhancing Justice in Economic Offenses: Prosecution Strategies, Investigative Ethics, and Judicial Insights."

Shubham Tomar, Assistant Public Prosecutor, Dr. Hina Iliyas, Assistant Professor, HNLU also cast light on the rationale and objectives of the new Criminal Laws.

Day 2 of the workshop witnessed the session by Dr. Parvesh Kumar Rajput on "Terrorism, Terror Financing and UAPA," which provided a comprehensive analysis of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and related legislation.

Dr. Priyanka Dhar led an insightful session on "Cyber Crime and the Importance of Cyber Security Regime in India."

Mr. Vijayshankar Nagarajarao delivered two critical sessions, namely on "Overview of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023" and "Application of New Criminal Laws in Investigating Online Fraud, Harassment and Economic Offenses."

The valedictory ceremony saw an address by Dr Kavita Bhatnagar (IRS), who underlined the workshop's role in enhancing legal awareness and enforcement capabilities.

The event was coordinated by HNLU faculty members, Dr Hina Iliyas, Dr Pravesh Kumar Rajput and Deputy Director, NACIN, Raipur, Shivi Sangwan.