The three controversial criminal laws of the central government will come into force across the country from July 1. Following this, the IPC and CRPC laws, which have been in force for 150 years in the judiciary and the police, are completely repealed and new laws come into force. The new criminal laws come into effect on July 1 amid protests across the country.
3 new criminal laws; 3 existing criminal laws in the country have been repealed and new laws have been introduced.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 to replace Indian Penal Code (IPC)
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita instead of Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC)
- The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 will be replaced by Indian Evidence Act.
What changes have taken place?: The new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which has replaced the 484-section CRPC, will now have 531 sections. 177 categories have been changed, 9 new categories have been added and 14 categories have been cancelled.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the successor to the IPC, will now have 358 sections instead of the earlier 511 sections. It added 21 new offences, increased imprisonment in 41 offences, increased fines in 82 offences, introduced mandatory minimum sentences in 25 offences, introduced community service provisions as punishment in 6 offences, and abolished 19 sections. In this Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita priority is given to human and physical crimes like rape, gang rape, crime against children, murder, kidnapping and kidnapping.
Bharatiya Sakshaya, which replaces the Evidence Act, will now have 170 sections instead of the earlier 167 sections, 24 sections have been amended, 2 new sections have been added and 6 sections have been repealed.
3 What are the main features of criminal laws?: It is no longer necessary to go to the police station and file a complaint. Complaints can be made through electronic communication devices. A First Information Report can be lodged at any police station. Time limit for filing chargesheet in registered cases is 90 days. Days to complete trial 180. Judgment to be delivered within 30 days of completion of trial. Rape of girls is punishable by hanging.
New criminal laws that promote equality and prioritize protecting victims’ rights come into force on July 1.
Amit Shah’s explanation that day: While presenting the new criminal bills in the Lok Sabha in December last year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the purpose of the Indian Penal Code, which was created in 1860, was not to deliver justice, but to deliver punishment. An attempt has been made to fulfill people’s expectation of justice through these three new laws. Fair, time-bound, evidence-based expeditious trials have been put in place to reduce the burden on courts and prisons.
We have strengthened the case investigation based on forensic science in the investigation. We have made audio-video recording of rape victim’s statement mandatory. Henceforth, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Dwarka to Assam, there will be a single system of justice across the country. We have replaced the sedition section with conspiracy against the nation. No one can speak against this country and no one can harm its interests. If it is treason, the accused should be punished severely.
Various provisions have been made in these Acts for the protection of women and children. Rape of a girl under the age of 18 is punishable by life imprisonment and death. He said that in cases of rape, imprisonment for 20 years or up to death has been provided.
The definitions of evidence have been increased in the new criminal laws. Digital resources available electronically are linked. Criminals, witnesses, experts can appear digitally.
