New Criminal Laws Take Effect, Superseding British-Era IPC: Important Key!

Colonial-era legislation will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.

The three new criminal laws, which will replace rules from the colonial era and drastically change India’s criminal justice system, will go into effect statewide on Monday, July 1.

The former Code of Criminal Procedure, Indian Evidence Act, and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will be replaced.

Also Read International Flights will Start in India: Delhi Airport T1 Collapse, Operations Suspended, Check Flight Status!

New Criminal Laws Explained | Important Points

1. Timely Judgments and Charges: Criminal case judgments must be delivered within 45 days after the trial ends. Charges must be framed within 60 days of the first hearing. All state governments must implement witness protection schemes to ensure the safety and cooperation of witnesses.
2. Support for Rape Victims: Statements from rape victims will be recorded by a female police officer in the presence of the victim’s guardian or relative. Medical reports must be completed within seven days.
3. Protection for Women and Children: A new chapter in the law addresses crimes against women and children. Buying or selling a child is classified as a heinous crime, punishable by severe penalties. Gangrape of a minor can result in a death sentence or life imprisonment.
4. Penalties for False Promises of Marriage: The law now includes punishments for cases where women are abandoned after being
5. Incidents can now be reported via electronic communication, eliminating the need to visit a police station. The introduction of Zero FIR allows individuals to file a First Information Report at any police station, regardless of jurisdiction.
6. Arrested person has the right to inform a person of their choice about their situation, so that he can receive immediate support. Arrest details will be prominently displayed in police stations and district headquarters for easy access by families and friends.
7. It is now mandatory for forensic experts to visit crime scenes for serious offences and collect evidence.
8. The definition of “gender” now includes transgender people. For certain offences against women, victim statements should be recorded by a woman magistrate when possible.

If unavailable, a male magistrate must record the statement in the presence of a woman. Statements related to rape must be recorded through audio-video means.

Stay Connected With us: Siasatpro.com