Jharkhand Health Minister Questions Central Government’s Motives in Replacing British-Era Laws
The central government’s recent move to replace British-era criminal laws with new bills has sparked concerns and raised questions about its intentions. Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta expressed skepticism regarding the government’s hidden agenda behind these changes. Gupta insinuated that time will reveal the government’s true motives for making and breaking laws.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced three significant bills in Lok Sabha on the final day of the monsoon session of Parliament. The bills aim to abolish British-era laws and prioritize justice instead of punishment. The three bills are the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023. They will replace the Criminal Procedure Code, the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, and IPC 1860, respectively. Shah has referred the bills to the Standing Committee for scrutiny.
Shah emphasized that the intention behind the bills is not to seek punishment but to ensure justice. He highlighted that extensive consultations have taken place in drafting the legislation. The bills incorporate key provisions such as repealing sedition, introducing a new penal code against mob lynching, imposing the death penalty for rape of minors, and introducing first-time community service as a punishment for petty offenses. The legislation also prioritizes offenses against women, children, and the State, with punitive measures for acts of terrorism, organized crime, and voter bribery during elections.
According to Shah, the British-era laws were primarily designed to strengthen and protect colonial rule, with punishment taking precedence over justice. The government’s objective with the new laws is to protect the rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution, focusing on justice rather than punishment. Shah clarified that punishment would only be administered as necessary to deter future crimes and maintain societal order.
In response to these developments, Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta questioned the central government’s hidden agenda behind the introduction of these bills. While the bills aim to modernize and enhance India’s legal framework, concerns remain regarding the government’s underlying motives. The true intentions behind these changes will only be revealed with time. As the bills move forward for scrutiny, it is essential to maintain a balanced view of the topic, considering different perspectives and opinions.
