Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge) Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal has announced that the new Criminal Laws, namely Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, will come into force on July 1, 2024. The Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act will be replaced by these new laws, marking a significant shift in the country’s legal system. Training programs for the implementation of these new laws are already in progress across all states.
Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, the duration of police custody under general criminal laws has been extended from 15 days to 90 days, depending on the nature of the offense. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will consist of 358 sections, with various amendments and additions to existing crimes and penalties. The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita will have 531 sections, containing provisions for improved criminal procedures and timelines.
The recent criminal justice reform in India focuses on crimes against women, children, and national security, prioritizing the needs of ordinary citizens over traditional concerns like treason. The new laws aim to provide timely, error-free justice, and align with India’s rapid development and technological advancements. The legislative changes have been subject to thorough consultation processes, involving feedback from states, legal experts, and various stakeholders.
Despite opposition claims of inadequate consultation, Minister Meghwal clarified that extensive efforts were made to gather feedback from multiple sources, including lawmakers, legal academies, and state authorities. The implementation of these new criminal laws reflects a forward-thinking approach to addressing modern societal challenges and ensuring a more efficient and people-centric justice system in India.
