New Criminal Laws: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam are three new criminal laws that came into effect on July 1. This is a momentous day in Indian legal history. A new era in India’s criminal justice system has been ushered in by these laws, which replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act from the British era.
Transformation from Colonial-Era Laws to Modern Justice
With the implementation of these laws, the legal frameworks of the colonial era have given way to a more contemporary and effective judicial system. Zero FIR, online police complaint registration, electronic summonses via SMS, and the requirement to videotape crime scenes for serious offences are some of the important aspects. These modifications are intended to expedite the administration of justice and simplify the judicial system.
Legal Experts Weigh In on the New Laws
Geeta Luthra
Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra highlights the integration of numerous Supreme Court decisions into these new laws. She notes, “I feel like that summary of so many decisions of Supreme Court has been put into these new laws…there was a criticism that our system is delayed…so a solution was required to solve this…they have said that now the judgement should come within 30 days”
Kiran Bedi
Former LG of Puducherry and former IPS officer Kiran Bedi emphasizes the benefits of retraining the police force for accountability, transparency, and the adoption of technology. She states, “The biggest benefit I see from this is that it is leading to re-training of police for accountability, transparency, technology, victims’ rights, speedy trials in courts, accused’s rights.”
Pinki Anand
Former Additional Solicitor General Pinki Anand regards the new laws as historic for India. “The three new laws will be historic for India. The older laws were formed from different perspectives but the present situation demands something else…Today, electronic evidence has been taken into admissibility. With these new laws, we are going towards speedy justice. Including economic offences & financial offences has been an important step. With these laws, victims will also have full rights where he/she will be informed about everything. E-filing of FIR and Zero FIR has been introduced.”
Vikas Pahwa
Advocate Vikas Pahwa acknowledges the positive aspects of the new laws, such as fixed timeframes for procedures and the use of technology. Talking to ANI he stated, “There are a lot of positive things in these three new laws including fixing of timeframe for procedures and introduction & use of technology. When there will be timely trials, it will lead to timely acquittal and conviction leading to speedy justice…It will be a welcome change. Overall procedural changes in the law will benefit the system.”
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