New Criminal Laws Replacing Colonial Era Acts

  • From 1st July 2024, three newly enacted criminal laws - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replace the colonial-era laws, namely Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and Indian Evidence Act.
  • Aimed at decolonizing the punitive system, these new laws take a justice-focused approach.

Goals and Innovations

  • Aiming at integrating technological advancements in  police investigations and court proceedings,

these laws incorporate new offences like terrorism, mob lynching, and organized crime.

  • Enhanced punishments for crimes against women and children are included.
  • The transition to these new laws is being made smoother by permitting state-specific amendments, concurrent running of old and new laws, and enabling online filing of First Information Reports (FIRs) in multiple languages via the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network Systems (CCTNS).

Salient Features of the New Laws

  • Community service introduced as a penalty for minor offences.
  • Terrorist act expressly defined.
  • Mob lynching by five or more vested with the possibility of capital punishment or life imprisonment.
  • Enabling trials in absentia of fugitive criminals, extension of summary trials to cases with up to 3 years punishment, and mandatory videography during search and seizure operations to ensure transparency.
  • A provision made for early release of first-time offenders upon completing a third of their sentence, and compulsory utilisation of forensic experts for investigations in major offences.

Breakdown of the New Laws

  • Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023.
  • Bharatiya Sakshya Act, 2023.
  • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Complementary Government Initiatives

  • National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms.
  • The introduction of AI Portal SUPACE.
  • Implementation of the Modernisation of Police Scheme.
  • Introduction of Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023.

In conclusion, these new criminal laws mark a significant shift in the Indian jurisdiction system, focusing on justice and incorporating technological advancements in policing and judiciary. It's a leap forward, ensuring a more efficient, effective, and just system.