Tuesday, February 18, 2025

News Destination For The Global Indian Community

News Destination For The Global Indian Community

LEGAL
LifeMag
New Criminal Laws Take Effect From Today

New Criminal Laws Take Effect From Today

India's criminal justice system is undergoing a significant transformation today with the introduction of three new criminal codes, replacing the British-era laws including the Indian Penal Code. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

The changes aim to ensure faster justice and adapt to contemporary crime forms. Judgments must now be delivered within 45 days of trial completion, and charges framed within 60 days of the first hearing. The new laws allow anyone to file a Zero FIR at any police station, regardless of jurisdiction, and enable online police complaint registration and electronic serving of summons.

Videography of crime scenes is now mandatory for all heinous crimes, and electronic summonses will expedite legal processes. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated the overhaul ensures "speedy justice and justice for all." Proper implementation will require training and forensic teams, now mandatory for offenses carrying a sentence of seven years or more. New provisions address emerging crimes like gang rapes, mob killings, and false marriage promises, increasing the demand for forensic experts, which the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) will cater to. The NFSU has expanded its campuses to nine states, with plans to extend to sixteen.

However, opposition parties, including the Congress, argue the decision to implement these new laws from July 1 was rushed and needed more consultation. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to defer the implementation, suggesting a parliamentary review. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud highlighted the significance of these laws, noting their profound impact on daily societal conduct.

New Criminal Laws Take Effect From Today

New Criminal Laws Take Effect From Today
India's criminal justice system is undergoing a significant transformation today with the introduction of three new criminal codes, replacing the British-era laws including the Indian Penal Code. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

The changes aim to ensure faster justice and adapt to contemporary crime forms. Judgments must now be delivered within 45 days of trial completion, and charges framed within 60 days of the first hearing. The new laws allow anyone to file a Zero FIR at any police station, regardless of jurisdiction, and enable online police complaint registration and electronic serving of summons.

Videography of crime scenes is now mandatory for all heinous crimes, and electronic summonses will expedite legal processes. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated the overhaul ensures "speedy justice and justice for all." Proper implementation will require training and forensic teams, now mandatory for offenses carrying a sentence of seven years or more. New provisions address emerging crimes like gang rapes, mob killings, and false marriage promises, increasing the demand for forensic experts, which the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) will cater to. The NFSU has expanded its campuses to nine states, with plans to extend to sixteen.

However, opposition parties, including the Congress, argue the decision to implement these new laws from July 1 was rushed and needed more consultation. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to defer the implementation, suggesting a parliamentary review. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud highlighted the significance of these laws, noting their profound impact on daily societal conduct.

Leave a comment

Comments (0)

Opinion Express TV

Shapoorji Pallonji

SUNGROW

GOVNEXT INDIA FOUNDATION

CAMBIUM NETWORKS TECHNOLOGY

Opinion Express Magazine