June 29, 2024 – New Delhi: Starting July 1, 2024, India will witness the implementation of three significant criminal justice laws that aim to overhaul the existing system, enhancing the protection of victims and expediting trials. These new laws mark a departure from colonial-era statutes, bringing modern reforms to the forefront.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 replaces the Indian Penal Code of 1860, introducing 358 sections instead of the previous 511. It also includes community service penalties for six categories of crimes and the introduction of seven new offenses. Notably, zero FIRs and e-FIRs can now be filed irrespective of jurisdiction, and trials, inquiries, and proceedings are permitted electronically, ensuring remote testimony and electronic records hold the same legal weight as paper documents.
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, empowers police to forfeit property linked to criminal activity. It mandates the police to inform victims of investigation progress within 90 days, commence trials within 60 days of the charge sheet filing, and requires that verdicts be pronounced within 45 days after final arguments. Judgments must be uploaded online within seven days of pronouncement.
The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, replacing the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, includes crucial provisions for witness protection and ensures no arrests for crimes with jail terms under three years without authorization from a Deputy Superintendent of Police or higher. The law also includes strict penalties, including the death penalty, for heinous crimes such as rape of a minor below 12 years of age.
Training and capacity building have been prioritized with 3010 officers and staff across various departments trained in handling the new laws. Special training has also been provided to 282 police personnel for the revised Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS).
For detailed information on these reforms, citizens are encouraged to download the SANKALAN MOBILE APP from the Google Playstore.