In a significant overhaul of India’s legal framework, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the implementation of three new criminal laws aimed at modernizing the country’s judicial system.
Addressing the media at the Parliament Library, Shah emphasized that these laws mark a shift towards ‘Nyay’ (justice) from mere ‘Dand’ (punishment), promising faster trials and improved protection of victims’ rights.
The new laws, namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), replace colonial-era statutes like the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act. This move is seen as a departure from outdated laws that struggled to address contemporary issues.
#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks on the three new criminal laws.
He says, "…First of all, I would like to congratulate the people of the country that about 77 years after independence, our criminal justice system is becoming completely 'Swadeshi'. This will… pic.twitter.com/Hg7BJ3GVMC
— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2024
“Today is a historic day in the annals of our free country, India,” stated BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia, highlighting the transformative impact of these legislative changes. Bhatia underscored that the new laws provide clearer definitions for crimes like terrorism and introduce harsher penalties, including the death penalty for offenses like mob lynching.
A notable feature of the new legislation is the dedicated chapters addressing crimes against women and children, ensuring specificity and stringent punishment for offenders.
Bhatia further noted that judgments in criminal cases must now be delivered within 45 days, a provision aimed at expediting justice and reducing delays caused by administrative processes within the judiciary.
Critics of the previous laws argued that they were inadequate in tackling modern crimes and protecting victims’ rights effectively. The overhaul is viewed as a step towards aligning India’s legal framework with contemporary societal realities and demands.
Bhatia also criticized opposition parties for not thoroughly reviewing the new laws, suggesting they were unprepared to engage meaningfully in discussions about the reforms.
The implementation of these laws represents a broader effort by the Indian government to strengthen national security, protect vulnerable populations, and streamline the judicial process. Supporters of the reforms argue that they will contribute to a more just and secure future for India, reflecting the nation’s commitment to progress and resilience in the face of evolving challenges.
The introduction of these new criminal laws is expected to have far-reaching implications for India’s legal landscape, marking a decisive shift towards a more responsive and efficient judicial system. As the country celebrates this legal transformation, attention remains focused on its practical impact on justice delivery and the protection of citizens’ rights across the nation.
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