New Criminal Laws: Implementation and Forensic Importance
| New Criminal Law | Download |
|---|---|
| THE BHARATIYA NAGARIK SURAKSHA SANHITA, 2023 | Download |
| THE BHARATIYA NYAYA SANHITA, 2023 | Download |
| THE BHARATIYA SAKSHYA ADHINIYAM, 2023 | Download |
New Delhi, July 2, 2024 – In a landmark press conference held in New Delhi, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah announced the implementation of three new criminal laws. Describing these laws as justice-oriented and victim-centric, Shri Shah emphasized that they prioritize speedy trials, protection of victims' rights, and modern forensic practices.
The new laws have been discussed extensively with various stakeholders over the past four years, marking an unprecedented level of deliberation in Independent India. The laws introduce significant reforms, including a dedicated chapter on crimes against women and children, reflecting heightened sensitivity and priority towards these offenses.
Highlighting the technological integration in the new legislation, Shri Shah noted that these laws are designed to adapt to technological advancements for the next 50 years, ensuring the justice system remains modern and efficient. This includes provisions for Zero-FIR, e-FIR, and digital charge sheets, as well as a mandatory forensic investigation for offenses punishable by seven years or more. This forensic mandate is expected to expedite justice delivery and potentially raise the conviction rate to 90%.
The new laws will be available in all eight scheduled languages, facilitating accessibility and ensuring that court proceedings can be conducted in these languages. Provisions for protecting the rights of victims and complainants have been strengthened, and outdated or problematic sections from previous laws have been removed.
Shri Shah also addressed misconceptions about the remand period, clarifying that it remains unchanged at fifteen days. Additionally, the law of sedition introduced by the British has been abolished, with new sections added to address anti-national activities.
To support the forensic requirements of the new laws, significant investments have been made in training and infrastructure. Over 23,000 master trainers have been prepared to train approximately 22.5 lakh policemen. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure the judiciary and law enforcement are well-equipped to implement these changes effectively.
The new criminal laws are set to create one of the world's most modern judicial systems, promising justice up to the Supreme Court within three years from the filing of an FIR. This comprehensive reform reflects a commitment to a more efficient, fair, and technologically adept justice system for India.
