Central Government Introduces Bills To Replace British-era Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code And Indian Evidence Act
New Delhi, 11th August 2023: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, unveiled a trio of groundbreaking bills aimed at ushering in a new era of justice system reform. In a historic move, Amit Shah introduced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakhshya Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha today.
Speaking on the occasion, Amit Shah highlighted the significance of this moment, stating that it marks the culmination of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and the commencement of Amrit Kaal. As the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav concludes on August 15, a new chapter of 75 to 100 years of independence will commence on August 16, paving the way for a stronger India.
Amit Shah emphasized the alignment of these bills with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ending all traces of colonial subjugation. These bills fulfill one of the five pledges presented by Prime Minister Modi on August 15, with a focus on creating a justice system that safeguards citizens’ rights. These new legislations will replace the British-era Indian Penal Code, 1860, Criminal Procedure Code, 1898, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 respectively. This transformative shift aims to uphold the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution, fostering a system that prioritizes justice over mere punishment.
Shah detailed the meticulous process behind these groundbreaking laws. Extensive consultations were conducted with various stakeholders, including judges, law universities, Members of Parliament, Chief Ministers, Governors, and legal experts. The exhaustive process led to a comprehensive overhaul of the legal framework, making it more attuned to the needs of contemporary India.
The new legislation features several innovative provisions, including the introduction of state-of-the-art technologies to streamline legal processes. The bills embrace digitization, allowing for the use of electronic or digital records, video conferencing for trials, and online accessibility of court decisions. The amendments also prioritize the timely delivery of justice, setting strict timelines for various stages of legal proceedings.
Shah highlighted the inclusion of citizens’ perspectives in these laws, enabling immediate registration of complaints through the innovative concept of Zero FIR. Additionally, provisions to safeguard victims’ rights and enhance convictions through forensic evidence were introduced, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of establishing the National Forensic Science University.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, is set to replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, featuring refined sections and enhanced focus on crimes against women and children. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023, will replace the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898, introducing a more robust framework for protecting citizens’ rights. The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023, is designed to replace the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, streamlining evidence collection and presentation in court.
Shah affirmed that these laws are designed to bring about a transformative shift in India’s justice system, with the aim of ensuring that justice is swift, accessible, and equitable for all citizens. These historic bills reflect the government’s commitment to creating a more just and secure society, aligning with the principles of India’s constitutional framework and fostering an environment of trust, transparency, and fairness.
The introduction of these bills represents a landmark moment in India’s legal history, with the potential to reshape the justice system for the betterment of its citizens and the nation as a whole.
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