The Centre has trained over 600,000 police officers, prison officials, judges, and forensic staff for the July 1 implementation of three new criminal laws—BNS, BNSS, and BSA—aimed at reforming India’s criminal justice system. These laws introduce 20 new crimes and increase the imprisonment period for 33 offences.
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NEW DELHI: With the implementation of three new criminal laws set to commence on July 1, the Centre has ensured a seamless transition by imparting training to over 600,000 police officers, prison officials, judges, and forensic staff. The new laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—aim to introduce extensive reforms to India’s criminal justice system.
Under these new laws, 20 new crimes have been added to the legal framework, and the period of imprisonment has been increased for 33 offences.
“The punishment of community service has been implemented for six crimes,”
-a legal expert highlighted, emphasizing the shift towards more rehabilitative forms of punishment.
Additionally, a mandatory minimum punishment has been established for 23 crimes, ensuring stricter accountability for serious offenses.
One of the significant changes introduced by the new laws is the extension of police custody from 15 days to 90 days, depending on the severity of the offense. This change aims to provide adequate time for thorough investigations.
“Crimes against women and children have been prioritized in investigations,”
– stated an official from the Ministry of Home Affairs, underscoring the focus on protecting vulnerable groups. Investigations of such crimes are now required to be completed within two months of the case registration.
To expedite legal processes, the new laws also allow for electronic service of summons, reducing paperwork and ensuring proper communication between all parties involved. This modernization is expected to streamline legal procedures and improve efficiency across the board.
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The Department of Legal Affairs has been proactive in preparing for these changes by organizing four conferences nationwide. These conferences, attended by the Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court judges, High Court judges, and other legal experts, provided a platform to discuss and understand the new legal provisions.
“These conferences were essential for sharing insights and preparing the judiciary for the upcoming changes,”
-noted a senior judge.
Similarly, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken steps to educate academic institutions about the new laws.
“The UGC conducted multiple training sessions and disseminated information to 1,200 universities and 40,000 colleges,”
-an official from the UGC reported.
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) also played a significant role, training approximately 9,000 institutions to ensure teachers and students are well-informed about the legislative changes.
Officials involved in the training process confirmed that almost all departments and ministries have conducted training sessions for their staff to avoid any disruptions when the new laws take effect. The Ministry of Home Affairs has specifically focused on training police personnel, jail staff, and forensic experts to handle the new legal requirements effectively.
In addition to these efforts, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has implemented 23 functional improvements in the existing Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS) application. The NCRB has established 36 support teams and call centers to provide continuous assistance and review the implementation process in the States and Union Territories.
“These improvements aim to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system,”
-an NCRB official explained.
The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has developed three groundbreaking applications—e-Sakshat, Nyaysruti, and e-Summons—to revolutionize the administration of justice. These apps aim to facilitate the videography and photography of crime scenes and streamline the electronic service of court summons under the ambit of new legislative measures.
Key Features of the Three New Laws
- Electronic Incident Reporting
- “Now one can report incidents through electronic means of communication without having to go to the police station,” announced sources familiar with the matter. (Section 173 of BNS)
- “Now one can report incidents through electronic means of communication without having to go to the police station,” announced sources familiar with the matter. (Section 173 of BNS)
- Zero FIR Provision
- Under the new laws, the introduction of Zero FIR empowers any individual to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) at any police station, regardless of jurisdiction. This reform is poised to eliminate delays in initiating legal proceedings and ensure prompt crime reporting. (Section 173 of BNS)
- Under the new laws, the introduction of Zero FIR empowers any individual to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) at any police station, regardless of jurisdiction. This reform is poised to eliminate delays in initiating legal proceedings and ensure prompt crime reporting. (Section 173 of BNS)
- Victim-Centric Initiatives
- “Victims will receive a free copy of the FIR, ensuring their active participation in the legal process,” emphasized legal experts. This provision aims to bolster transparency and victim engagement. (Section 173 of BNS)
- “Victims will receive a free copy of the FIR, ensuring their active participation in the legal process,” emphasized legal experts. This provision aims to bolster transparency and victim engagement. (Section 173 of BNS)
- Rights of the Arrested
- “In case of arrest, individuals have the right to inform a chosen person about their status,” clarified officials. This initiative seeks to provide immediate assistance and support to arrested persons. (Section 36 of BNS)
- “In case of arrest, individuals have the right to inform a chosen person about their status,” clarified officials. This initiative seeks to provide immediate assistance and support to arrested persons. (Section 36 of BNS)
- Transparency in Arrest Information
- “Arrest details will be prominently displayed at police stations and district headquarters,” ensuring accessibility to crucial information for the families of the arrested persons, highlighted sources. (Section 37 of BNS)
- “Arrest details will be prominently displayed at police stations and district headquarters,” ensuring accessibility to crucial information for the families of the arrested persons, highlighted sources. (Section 37 of BNS)
- Forensic Evidence Standardization
- “Forensic experts are now mandated to collect evidence at crime scenes, with mandatory videography to prevent tampering,” stressed law enforcement authorities. This measure aims to strengthen the integrity of criminal investigations.
- “Forensic experts are now mandated to collect evidence at crime scenes, with mandatory videography to prevent tampering,” stressed law enforcement authorities. This measure aims to strengthen the integrity of criminal investigations.
- Speedy Justice for Women and Children
- “The new laws prioritize the investigation of crimes against women and children, aiming for completion within two months of filing the complaint,” stated legal analysts. (Section 193 of BNS)
- “The new laws prioritize the investigation of crimes against women and children, aiming for completion within two months of filing the complaint,” stated legal analysts. (Section 193 of BNS)
- Victim Updates
- “Victims have the right to receive regular case progress updates within 90 days,” ensuring transparency and trust in the legal process. (Section 193 of BNS)
- “Victims have the right to receive regular case progress updates within 90 days,” ensuring transparency and trust in the legal process. (Section 193 of BNS)
- Medical Aid for Victims
- “Victims of crimes against women and children are entitled to free medical treatment or first aid in all hospitals,” ensuring immediate access to necessary healthcare. (Section 397 of BNS)
- “Victims of crimes against women and children are entitled to free medical treatment or first aid in all hospitals,” ensuring immediate access to necessary healthcare. (Section 397 of BNS)
- Electronic Summons
- “Electronic service of summonses has been introduced to expedite legal processes and streamline communication,” noted officials. (Sections 64, 70, 71 of BNS)
- “Electronic service of summonses has been introduced to expedite legal processes and streamline communication,” noted officials. (Sections 64, 70, 71 of BNS)
- Gender Sensitivity
- “Statements of victims in crimes against women should ideally be recorded by a female magistrate,” ensuring sensitivity and fairness. (Section 183 of BNS)
- “Statements of victims in crimes against women should ideally be recorded by a female magistrate,” ensuring sensitivity and fairness. (Section 183 of BNS)
- Document Provision
- “Both accused and victims have the right to receive copies of FIRs, police reports, and other documents within 14 days,” ensuring transparency and access to legal materials. (Section 230 of BNS)
- “Both accused and victims have the right to receive copies of FIRs, police reports, and other documents within 14 days,” ensuring transparency and access to legal materials. (Section 230 of BNS)
- Judicial Efficiency
- “Courts are limited to granting a maximum of two adjournments to avoid undue delays,” aimed at expediting justice. (Section 346 of BNS)
- “Courts are limited to granting a maximum of two adjournments to avoid undue delays,” aimed at expediting justice. (Section 346 of BNS)
- Witness Protection
- “All state governments are mandated to implement witness protection schemes,” safeguarding the safety and cooperation of witnesses. (Section 398 of BNS)
- “All state governments are mandated to implement witness protection schemes,” safeguarding the safety and cooperation of witnesses. (Section 398 of BNS)
- Gender Inclusion
- “The definition of gender now includes transgender persons,” promoting inclusivity and equality. (Section 2(10) of BNS)
- “The definition of gender now includes transgender persons,” promoting inclusivity and equality. (Section 2(10) of BNS)
- Electronic Legal Proceedings
- “All legal proceedings can now be conducted electronically,” streamlining the legal process for victims, witnesses, and accused. (Section 530 of BNS)
- “All legal proceedings can now be conducted electronically,” streamlining the legal process for victims, witnesses, and accused. (Section 530 of BNS)
- Audio-Video Recording
- “Audio-video recording of statements in rape cases enhances security and transparency,” noted law enforcement authorities. (Section 176 of BNS)
- “Audio-video recording of statements in rape cases enhances security and transparency,” noted law enforcement authorities. (Section 176 of BNS)
- Police Assistance
- “Special provisions exempt specific groups from visiting police stations,” allowing for assistance at their residences. (Section 179 of BNS)
- “Special provisions exempt specific groups from visiting police stations,” allowing for assistance at their residences. (Section 179 of BNS)
- Protection for Women and Children
- “A new chapter dedicated to crimes against women and children ensures their protection and justice,” reinforcing legal safeguards. (Chapter V of BNS)
- “A new chapter dedicated to crimes against women and children ensures their protection and justice,” reinforcing legal safeguards. (Chapter V of BNS)
- Gender-Neutral Offences
- “Crimes against women and children are made gender-neutral,” ensuring comprehensive protection for all victims. (Section 4 of BNS)
- “Crimes against women and children are made gender-neutral,” ensuring comprehensive protection for all victims. (Section 4 of BNS)
- Community Service
- “Introducing community service for minor offences promotes personal growth and societal responsibility,” offering offenders an opportunity for rehabilitation. (Sections 4, 202, 209, 226, 303, 355, 356 of BNS)
- “Introducing community service for minor offences promotes personal growth and societal responsibility,” offering offenders an opportunity for rehabilitation. (Sections 4, 202, 209, 226, 303, 355, 356 of BNS)
- Proportional Penalties
- “Penalties under the new laws are proportionate to the gravity of offences,” aiming for fair and effective deterrence. (Sections 4, 202, 209, 226, 303, 355, 356 of BNS)
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The new laws and the introduction of the e-Sakshat, Nyaysruti, and e-Summons apps by the NIC mark a significant step towards a more efficient and transparent legal system. By integrating technology into crime scene management and court summons services, these measures aim to uphold justice, protect victims, and foster a more inclusive and responsive legal framework.
