Bhubaneswar: With three new central criminal laws coming into force, the Odisha Cabinet on Friday approved the amendment of the Orissa District and Civil Courts’ Judicial Staff Services (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2008.
The Cabinet took the decision at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in light of the enactment of three new central criminal laws that came into force recently.
The amendment aims to strengthen the legal acumen and operational capabilities of subordinate judicial staff, ensuring the efficient functioning of courts and speedier disposal of cases across the state.
The changes were necessitated following the enactment of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; and The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
These landmark legislations replace colonial-era criminal laws and aim to modernize India’s legal framework. In response, the state government is working to upgrade institutional capacity at the district and subordinate court levels.
In another decision to enhance the legal apparatus and expedite the delivery of justice, the Cabinet approved a proposal from the Law Department to amend “The Odisha Law Officers Rules, 1971.”
These rules govern the appointment, duties, and control of Law Officers representing the State Government in legal proceedings, particularly in district headquarters and subordinate courts. The amendment comes in response to a shortage of officers in the Odisha State Prosecution Service (OSPS) cadre, which has been contributing to a growing backlog of cases.
The amendment will help ease the burden of pending litigation and facilitate the prompt delivery of justice. The last amendment to the rules was made via Notification No. 3631/L dated 13.03.2024, and the latest changes are expected to improve both the efficiency and responsiveness of the prosecution system in Odisha.
A Cabinet memorandum was placed outlining the urgent need to bolster the cadre strength and ensure better legal representation for the state in courts across Odisha.
