Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Nov 22: In a significant reform move, the Goa government — in consultation with the High Court of Bombay at Goa — has decided that first-time offenders involved in minor crimes will now be assigned community service instead of imprisonment, in line with provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Under the new system, trial courts will determine the nature and duration of community service, which may include tasks at government-run facilities such as hospitals, public parks, beaches, and educational institutions.
The initiative aims to encourage rehabilitation over punishment for minor offences while easing the burden on the prison system.