India Introduces 3 New Criminal Laws, Replacing Colonial-Era IPC; Know Key Points
Three New criminal laws have been introduced in India w.e.f. 1st July 2024, replacing the old Indian Penal Code (IPC). It marks a major shift from colonial-era statutes. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) are the 3 laws that replaced the old IPC 1860, Indian Evidence Act 1872 and the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 respectively.
Three New Criminal Laws’s Key Highlights:
1. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
This introduced law replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Previous sections i.e. 511, are now reduced to 358 in this law. 20 new crimes are added along with the increase in Imprisonment sentences for 33 crimes. Higher fines included, for 83 crimes, fine amount has increased. For 23 crimes, the introduction of mandatory minimum punishments. 19 sections were removed in this introduced law.
2. Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita
Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is being replaced by this newly introduced law. Total Sections increased to 531 from the previous 484 sections and 177 provisions changed. In this new law, 9 new sections and 39 new sub-sections are added. New 44 provisions along with the clarification added. 14 sections are removed from the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita.
3. Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam
This law replaced the Indian Evidence Act. Provisions in a total of 170, increased from 167. 24 previous provisions changed. 2 new provisions and 6 sub-provisions are added to the new law. Removal of 6 provisions by introducing this new one.
Let’s understand this change:
Need for the change
1. Modernization: During the rule of the British in 1860, the IPC was introduced. Due to the outdated provisions, it doesn’t comply with today’s society’s needs and values.
2. Independence: By replacement of the IPC, it is leaving the colonial legacies. It is time to create a legal system that matches India’s current democratic and social framework.
Changes in New Law
1. Easy Language: In the new law, language is made easy and can be understood by any average person.
2. Protection to Victims: The new law mainly focuses on providing victims fair justice and protecting their rights.
3. Updation of Technology: Crimes related to technology and cybercrime should be taken accountable by the law.
4. Stricter Punishment for Severe Crimes: The new law will punish harshly and impose huge penalties for severe crimes like rape, corruption etc.
Impact on Society
1. Fair Justice: The justice system will become more fair for the victim and harsh for the criminals.
2. Public Awareness: The public will be able to understand their rights and responsibilities more easily under the law through the simplified language.
3. Enhanced Security: The security will be enhanced through the imposition of stricter punishment for modern crimes that will gain public trust in the legal system.
Conclusion
This is a historic moment for India, it shows a step towards a fair and modern legal system that better serves the nation. There will be a period of adjustment for law enforcement, legal professionals and the public as the new laws will take effect. The replacement of IPC with new criminal laws is the most significant step taken to create a fairer legal framework in India.
