In a significant development, the Minister of State for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, announced on Sunday that three new criminal laws will come into effect on July 1, 2024. The new laws, titled Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, will replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act respectively.
Meghwal emphasized that these changes follow a thorough consultation process and are informed by the Law Commission of India’s reports. “The three laws will be implemented from July 1 with the names Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam,” he stated, adding that training facilities for these new laws are being set up across all states.
The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) is spearheading the training efforts, with support from judicial academies and national law universities. Meghwal assured that everything is progressing smoothly and the new laws will be integral to the criminal justice system from July 1.
Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, police custody in general criminal cases can extend from 15 days to 90 days, depending on the offense’s nature. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will comprise 358 sections, replacing the 511 sections of the IPC, with 20 new crimes included, increased sentences for 33 crimes, higher fines for 83 crimes, mandatory minimum punishments for 23 crimes, community service penalties for six crimes, and the repeal of 19 sections.
The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita will have 531 sections, an increase from the 484 sections in the CrPC. It incorporates 177 revised provisions, nine new sections, 39 new sub-sections, 44 new provisions and clarifications, timelines in 35 sections, and audio-video provisions in 35 places. Fourteen sections have been repealed.
Lastly, the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will feature 170 provisions, up from 167, with 24 changes, two new provisions, six new sub-provisions, and the repeal of six provisions.
This overhaul reflects a shift in focus towards crimes against women, children, and national interests, contrasting with the colonial-era laws that prioritized issues like treason and treasury offenses over the concerns of ordinary citizens.
Comments