Three New Criminal Laws
The Indian Home Ministry announced the enactment of three new criminal laws, effective July 1, 2024
Feb 18, 2025, 07:21 IST
The Indian Home Ministry recently announced the enactment of three new criminal laws, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, effective July 1, 2024. These bills repeal the British-era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively
In July 2024, India enacted three significant criminal laws to modernize its legal framework:
1. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS): This law replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and introduces new offenses, including organized crime and terrorism. It also increases penalties for existing crimes and removes outdated provisions.
2. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS): Replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), this law streamlines legal procedures, enhances the rights of the accused, and aims to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system.
3. Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA): This act replaces the Indian Evidence Act, updating rules of evidence to ensure fair trials and accommodate technological advancements.
These reforms aim to modernize India's criminal justice system, making it more efficient and just.