New Delhi: India’s criminal justice system will be completely overhauled today as three new criminal codes replace the entire set of British-era laws, including the Indian Penal Code.
Here are the top 10 key points in this major development:
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will replace the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act.
- The government has stated that these laws were updated to ensure faster justice and align with modern times and new types of crime. Judgments are now required within 45 days of the trial’s completion, and charges must be framed within 60 days of the first hearing.
- The new laws will enable anyone to file a Zero FIR at any police station, irrespective of jurisdiction. They will also allow for the online registration of police complaints and the electronic serving of summons.
- Videography of crime scenes is now mandatory for all heinous crimes under the new laws. Additionally, summonses can be served electronically, speeding up legal processes.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the changes aim to ensure “speedy justice and justice for all.” He emphasized that proper implementation of these laws will require training and the establishment of forensic teams, whose involvement is now mandatory for offenses carrying a sentence of seven years or more.
- New provisions have been introduced to address emerging crimes such as gang rapes, mob killings, and false promises of marriage. “This will increase the demand for forensic experts across the country, which the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) will cater to,” Mr. Shah stated.
- He added that the NFSU was developed in parallel with the new laws. Campuses have been established in 9 states, with plans to expand to 16 states.
- Opposition parties, including the Congress, argue that implementing the new criminal laws on July 1 was rushed. They emphasize that more consultation was needed before their enforcement.
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to postpone the implementation of the “hurriedly passed” laws. She suggested that Parliament should then review them again.
- Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has stated that “These laws represent a significant moment for our society because no law impacts our daily conduct like criminal law.”
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