Uniform Justice System Nationwide: New Laws Aim to Ensure Consistency in Legal Proceedings
New Delhi, December 20, 2023: In a historic move, the Lok Sabha, on Wednesday, approved three amended criminal bills aimed at modernizing India's criminal justice system by replacing outdated colonial-era laws. The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023 are set to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973 (originally enacted in 1898), and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha passed the Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023.
Victim-Centered Legislation: A Paradigm Shift in Criminal Justice
The proposed changes aim to prioritize justice for victims and establish exemplary standards within society. The focus is on rectifying historical imbalances and aligning laws with contemporary values.
Shifting Priorities: From British Treasures to Citizen Safety
Addressing the parliament, the legislator emphasized a departure from the previous emphasis on protecting British treasures over justice for heinous crimes like murder and crimes against women. The legislative changes, as reflected in decisions on issues like the Ram Mandir, Article 370, triple talaq, and women's reservation, underscore a commitment to action.
Stricter Timelines and Accountability: A New Era in Legal Proceedings
The legislator announced stringent measures, requiring chargesheets to be filed within 180 days and magistrates to take cognizance within 14 days. Failure to adhere to these timelines could result in court-extended periods.
हमने तय किया है कि अब चार्जशीट को 180 दिन में दाखिल करना होगा और 14 दिन में मजिस्ट्रेट को इसका संज्ञान लेना होगा।#NayeBharatKeNayeKanoon pic.twitter.com/kZZK7AzfWc
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 20, 2023
Zero Tolerance for Terrorism: Strengthening National Security
Asserting a policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, the new laws are designed to prevent any loopholes that might allow terrorists to escape justice.
हमारी आतंकवाद के खिलाफ जीरो टॉलरेंस की नीति है।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 20, 2023
इन नए कानूनों में ऐसी व्यवस्था की गयी है, जिससे कोई भी आतंकवादी बच नहीं पायेगा।#NayeBharatKeNayeKanoon pic.twitter.com/uz4NJkWBsx
Reforming Policing: Accountability and Director of Prosecution Appointments
The legislation aims to make the police force more accountable and victim-focused. Notably, Director of Prosecution positions will be established at the district and state levels to enhance the justice system.
Uniform Justice System: Nationwide Impact of the New Laws
After the implementation of these laws, a uniform justice system is expected to prevail throughout the country, ensuring consistency in legal proceedings.
After the implementation of these laws, there will be a uniform justice system throughout the country.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 20, 2023
इन कानूनों के लागू होने के बाद पूरे देश में एक प्रकार की न्याय प्रणाली होगी।#NayeBharatKeNayeKanoon pic.twitter.com/JYGMY1SYWV
Focus on Heinous Crimes: Murder, Rape, and Crimes Against Children Take Center Stage
The Modi government places emphasis on tackling serious crimes such as rape, gang rape, offenses against children, and murder with priority in the new legislation.
बलात्कार, गैंगरेप, बच्चों के खिलाफ अपराध, मर्डर, किडनैपिंग जैसे अपराधों को मोदी सरकार ने नए कानूनों में सबसे आगे रखा है।#NayeBharatKeNayeKanoon pic.twitter.com/iVH1QKXYVH
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 20, 2023
Trial in Absentia and Technological Advancements: Bringing Fugitives to Justice
The introduction of trial in absentia is set to facilitate the return of fugitives hiding in other countries, presenting a modernized approach to judicial procedures through the use of technology.
As India embarks on this transformative journey in criminal justice reform, the #NayeBharatKeNayeKanoon initiative aims to create a more responsive, victim-centric, and technologically advanced legal system. The nation awaits the impact of these legislative changes on its pursuit of justice and the protection of its citizens.
