In the significant move in History, President Droupadi Murmu on money gave her approval on new three criminal bills that was passed by Parliament. These new bills replaced the old criminal bills, IPC ( Indian Penal Code), CrPC ( Code of Criminal Procedure), and the Indian Evidence Act enabled by British colonial rule.
3 new Criminal Justice Bills
The three new criminal bills passed by Parliament are Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023 and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023. The aim of passing new criminal bills is to make the criminal justice system more efficient, modern, responsive and humane to the aspirations and needs of people.
1st bill- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has 358 sections, as opposed to the 511 sections mentioned in IPC. It introduced the new 20 crimes, increased the imprisonment sentence for 33 more crimes, and increased the fine amount for 83 crimes. It introduced the mandatory minimum punishment for 23 crimes. It also gives the penalty for community service on six crimes and removes or repeals 19 sections.
2nd bill- Bharatiya Sakshya Bill
The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill has 167 sections, as opposed to 167 sections in the Indian Evidence Act. It updates the Evidence Act rules to make them more rational, reliable, and scientific. It incorporates the latest developments in digital technology, forensic science, and DNA testing. Moreover, it also improves the credibility and admissibility of electronic confessions, evidence, expert opinions and dying declarations.
3rd bill- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita has 484 sections, as opposed to 484 sections in the old criminal bill, CrPC. It streamlines the process for bail, investigation, trial, revision and appeal. It also ensures the rights and protection of the accused, the witness and the victims. It also empowers the courts and police to deal with emerging challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime and organized crime.
When will the new criminal bills implemented?
The new criminal justice bills will come into force from April 1, 2024, after the necessary regulations and rules are framed and notified via the significant state governments. The authorities have also assured that the prevailing cases will no longer be laid low with the exchange of legal guidelines and will continue to be ruled using the old legal guidelines.
The three criminal bills had been passed by voice vote in each house of Parliament, with the support of numerous regional events, which include YSRCP, BJD, TDP, AIADMK, TMC (M), and UPP (L). However, most opposition events, such as the Congress, the DMK, the RJD, the SP, the BSP and the Left, boycotted the controversy and the voting, alleging that the bills were unconstitutional and anti-people.
The Home Minister Amit Shah had hailed the passage of the payments because the “starting of a new technology” and stated that they have been geared toward making on tie justice system to Indians via defensive their human rights. He also stated that the bills were drafted after large consultations with numerous stakeholders, including criminal experts, civil society organizations, state governments and political events.
Conclusion
On Monday, President Droupaid Murmu approved the 3 new criminal bills. These bills were passed by Parliament already. It will replace the 3 old bills for improvement in the justice system.
