Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced that new criminal laws will be introduced from July 1, replacing the existing Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Evidence Act. Despite opposition claims of non-consultation, Meghwal assured that training programs and infrastructure development are in progress to support the transition.
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NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal announced on Sunday(16th June), that the new criminal laws will be introduced from July 1. This statement comes amidst opposition allegations that they were not consulted before the decision was made. Meghwal clarified that the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Evidence Act will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Act, respectively.
Addressing the inaugural session of ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System,’ Meghwal emphasized that necessary training programs and infrastructure development for implementing the new laws are already underway.
He stated-
“The three new laws will be implemented from July 1 for providing timely, speedy, and error-free justice.”
Meghwal responded to the allegations of inadequate consultation by stating-
“Contrary to some claims, everyone was consulted. The demand to change colonial laws has been long-standing, and the process began a long time ago.”
He elaborated that suggestions were sought from all states, but only 18 states and six Union Territories responded.
He further explained-
“Suggestions were provided by the Chief Justice of India, the chief justices of 16 high courts, five law academies, and 22 law universities.”
The minister’s announcement marks a significant shift in India’s criminal justice system, aiming to modernize and streamline legal processes to ensure quicker and more accurate justice delivery. The replacement of these colonial-era laws with the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Act is seen as a step towards making the legal system more relevant and efficient in contemporary India.
The Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Evidence Act, which have been in place since the colonial era, have often been criticized for being outdated and not adequately addressing the needs of modern society. The introduction of the new laws aims to address these concerns and provide a more robust legal framework that aligns with current realities.
Meghwal’s assurance that necessary training programs and infrastructure development are already in progress indicates the government’s commitment to a smooth transition to the new legal framework. The goal is to minimize any disruptions and ensure that the justice system continues to function effectively during and after the implementation of these new laws.
The new laws are expected to bring about significant changes in the administration of justice in India. By focusing on timely and speedy justice, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Act aim to reduce the backlog of cases and ensure that justice is delivered more efficiently.
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Meghwal’s remarks also highlighted the extensive consultation process that preceded the introduction of these new laws. Despite the opposition’s claims of being excluded from the consultation process, Meghwal pointed out that a wide range of stakeholders, including state governments, judicial authorities, law academies, and universities, were invited to provide their inputs. This extensive consultation underscores the government’s intention to create a comprehensive and inclusive legal framework that addresses the needs and concerns of various stakeholders.
Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal provided a comprehensive overview of the extensive consultations and the meticulous process behind the formulation of new legal reforms in India. He emphasized that the new laws were crafted after four years of thorough consideration and widespread consultation, countering claims of inadequate consultation.
“We contacted all MPs, but only 142, including members from both houses, responded. Suggestions were also requested from all MLAs nationwide, with only 270 responding. While we consulted widely, not everyone provided feedback.”
-Meghwal stated, highlighting the extensive but challenging nature of gathering opinions from a diverse political landscape.
Meghwal further elaborated on the exhaustive process, noting-
“These laws were formulated after four years of thorough consideration. Claims of no consultation are false. Full consultations were held, including 58 meetings chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah.”
The necessity of updating colonial-era laws to reflect modern societal and technological advancements was a focal point in Meghwal’s speech.
He explained-
“With evolving times and advancements in technology, improvements are necessary. Citizens were not receiving timely justice, prompting the inclusion of provisions such as zero FIR, mercy petitions, and gender neutrality. The existing system faced challenges, necessitating these changes.”
This statement highlights the urgent need for legal reforms to ensure justice is timely and accessible to all citizens, addressing long-standing inefficiencies and adapting to contemporary needs.
Meghwal concluded by emphasizing the people-centric and timely nature of the new laws, which align with India’s rapid development.
“The new laws prioritize people’s needs and are timely, aligning with India’s rapid development.”
-he stated, projecting a vision of a more just and modern legal system in India.
The event also saw the presence of notable figures such as Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court TS Sivagnanam, secretary of the ministry of law and justice Rajiv Mani, and member secretary of the Law Commission of India Reeta Vasishta, indicating the high level of support and involvement from various branches of the judiciary and legal advisory bodies in the formulation of these reforms.
