The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has given assent to three new criminal justice bills, signaling a complete overhaul of the country’s criminal justice system. The bills, which were cleared by Parliament last week, will replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. This move marks a significant step towards updating and modernizing British-era criminal laws.
The three new laws are the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act. These laws aim to redefine various offenses and establish corresponding punishments. Additionally, they introduce important changes, such as the definition of terrorism in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
According to an official notification, the laws will come into effect on a date determined by the Central Government through an official gazette. Different provisions may have different implementation dates.
During the parliamentary debate, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the focus of the new legislation is on delivering justice rather than simply imposing punishment. He also highlighted that the laws will apply to offenses committed both within and beyond India’s borders.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, one of the new laws, contains a list of offenses, including acts of secession, armed rebellion, subversive activities, separatist activities, and actions that endanger the sovereignty or unity of the nation. The legislation imposes severe penalties, including imprisonment for life or up to seven years, and applicable fines, for anyone found guilty of deliberately inciting or engaging in such acts.
The new laws also abolish sedition as a crime and introduce a fresh section titled offenses against the state. Furthermore, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita defines terrorism for the first time, a significant addition absent from the Indian Penal Code.
The introduction of the bills occurred during the Monsoon session of Parliament in August. After the Standing Committee on Home Affairs provided recommendations, the government decided to withdraw the bills and introduce redrafted versions.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita replaces IPC Section 124A on sedition and replaces the term Rajdroh with Deshdroh, removing the reference to the British crown.
These new laws mark a crucial step in the Indian criminal justice system, bringing about necessary changes and addressing present-day challenges. By thoroughly defining offenses and punishments, the legislation aims to ensure justice and protect the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
While the President’s assent has been granted, it is important to note that complete implementation and enforcement of the new laws will depend on the official notification issued by the Central Government.
In conclusion, the assent granted by President Droupadi Murmu to the three new criminal justice bills represents a significant milestone in the modernization of India’s legal framework. The move away from outdated British-era laws aims to better address contemporary offenses while safeguarding the sovereignty and unity of the nation. The implementation of these new laws will shape the landscape of India’s criminal justice system, delivering justice and fairness to all citizens.
