A new federal investigating authority to probe serious crimes concerning national security and a complete revamp of the entire criminal procedure system are the major suggestions of the panel, which is preparing the national policy on criminal policy.

Concerned over the recent incidents of victims turning hostile and being influenced by the culprits, the panel also moots a ?Compensation Fund? to compensate the victims. The proposal for the new investigating agency came from a meeting to discuss the draft of the policy, which was attended by home minister Shivraj Patil, former solicitor general Soli Sorabjee and other leading advocates and legal experts.

?There was a suggestion from country?s top legal minds of the country that a federal investigating agency must be set up to probe crimes, which can hamper the country?s security. The status of body could be that of the Election Commission,? said NR Madhava Menon, who heads the four-member panel. He said the panel has suggestions to professionalise the management of the country?s criminal justice system.

?We will incorporate these suggestions in the final report on policy to be submitted to the Union government on July 31,? Menon told FE.

Among other recommendations of the panel includes building district-wise centers for criminal justice. ?We will recommend a complex for criminal justice in every districts which can house courts, stations and lock-ups in one building. Dedicated courts for only bails is also in the suggestion,? he added.

Incidentally, the panel also has some directions for the media on the reporting of crime.

?There must be some restrictions from the media when the matter is sub-judice,? Menon told FE. The panel had taken response from parliamentarians and other dignitaries on the draft report on criminal justice.

To deal with the modern-day crimes using chemical and biological weapons, the panel moots a separate authority under the Home ministry. At present the external affairs ministry is investigating such crimes, Menon said.

The panel has also suggestions on protecting the country?s assets in space and sea.