Amit Shah Promises Justice Within 3 Years, Hails Merit-Based Policing as Path to Inclusive Governance
Lucknow: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday outlined an ambitious vision for a more just and equitable India, asserting that within the next five years, a transformative system will emerge—one where justice is delivered within three years of filing a First Information Report (FIR).
Addressing a massive gathering at an appointment letter distribution event for 60,244 newly recruited Uttar Pradesh police constables, Shah framed the moment as a milestone in citizen empowerment, social equity, and legal reform.
Speaking in Lucknow, Shah said that the three new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—have been crafted not merely as legal reforms but as tools to democratize justice, ensuring it becomes accessible, timely, and fair to all sections of society, from the poor villager filing an FIR to a citizen seeking justice from the Supreme Court.
A Milestone in Transparent Recruitment
Amid much applause, Shah handed over appointment letters to thousands of police constables and emphasized the significance of merit-based selection in governance, calling the recruitment process a model of transparency and inclusion. He pointed out that no bribes were paid, no recommendations influenced decisions, and no caste-based discrimination tainted the selection.
“In these appointments, there was neither financial corruption nor caste-based bias. Every youth selected earned their place on merit,” he said, reinforcing the message that social justice begins with fair opportunity.
The numbers spoke volumes: among the newly appointed, approximately 12,000 are women, reflecting growing gender representation in law enforcement. This, Shah stated, was a direct result of the government’s firm commitment to women’s empowerment and affirmative action in public institutions.
A New Face of Policing
Shah reminded the recruits that they are joining the Uttar Pradesh Police at a pivotal time—during ‘Amrit Kal’, the nation’s journey towards its 100th year of independence.
He urged them to be guardians of law and saviours of the oppressed, telling them that criminals and mafias should fear the uniform, while the marginalised—especially the poor, Dalits, Adivasis, and backward classes—must see the police as their protectors, not persecutors.
“Let every underprivileged child grow up believing that the police exist to safeguard their future. This is your mission,” he told the constables.
Law and Order as Social Reform
Shah credited Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for transforming Uttar Pradesh into what he called a “riot-free state”, a stark contrast to its past image marred by communal strife and political violence. He claimed that criminal syndicates no longer hold sway over public life, attributing this change to firm governance and equitable law enforcement.
Further, he spoke of national progress against Naxalism, a movement historically rooted in socio-economic inequality, stating that the conflict is now limited to just three states, down from eleven. “By March 31, 2026, India will be free of this internal strife,” he declared, presenting this as a step toward social harmony and development for neglected regions.
Technology for Transparency
A recurring theme in Shah’s address was technology as an enabler of equality. He underlined how digital tools ensured an unbiased, corruption-free recruitment process, a model that could transform governance across the country. “None of the 60,244 candidates paid even a single rupee. That’s the real success of this system,” he said, underscoring how digital governance can close the gap between power and the powerless.
A Social Contract in Uniform
Ultimately, Shah’s speech was not just about policing—it was a call for a new kind of civil service that sees itself not as an instrument of authority but as a vehicle for justice, equity, and service. As India moves toward becoming a global power, he said, its police force must reflect the values of inclusiveness, fairness, and compassion.
The message resonated strongly among the audience: that the rule of law, when administered with integrity and heart, becomes not just a governance tool, but a foundation for a just society.
