Karnataka expressing opposition to new criminal laws and contemplating State-level amendments to adjust existing legislation. KH Patil, the State’s Parliamentary Affairs and Law Minister, highlighted that the Centre disregarded recommendations put forth by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the previous year.
Bangalore: Karnataka contemplating state-level amendments to revise recently implemented criminal laws from July 1.
According to Karnataka’s Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil, the Central government should postpone the enforcement of these laws until incorporating recommendations made by the state government last year.
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Addressing a press conference, he expressed concerns,
“We have significant reservations regarding the current laws. Amendments are necessary to rectify numerous loopholes present in these three legislations.”
Patil asserted that any government that passes a law possesses the moral authority to enforce it during its tenure. He emphasized that implementing such a law after the government’s term has ended is both unethical and politically inappropriate.
He stated,
“The Cabinet of the previous government made a decision that should not be implemented now. They had the right to enforce it during their term. It is inappropriate for it to be enforced after the new government has taken over,”
He pointed out that the Centre reached out to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah last year, seeking the state’s opinion and suggestions on the proposed new laws.
He remarked,
“Mr. Siddaramaiah had communicated with the Central government, outlining the various recommendations from the State government. However, the Centre has not considered the majority of them,”
The three new criminal laws, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam officially came into effect on July 1.
In a press conference held later that day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah noted that after nearly 77 years of independence, the criminal justice system now become entirely indigenous, operating in accordance with Indian values and principles.
He stated that these new laws would replace the Indian Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Indian Evidence Act, all of which were established by the British.
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He said,
“It will ensure justice, expedite trials, and protect the rights of both victims and complainants. These laws have been introduced with a fresh perspective and approach. They began functioning this morning, starting from midnight,”
Karnataka’s move to oppose the new criminal laws and consider state-level amendments reflects a broader debate on the balance of power between central and state governments in India. It highlights the importance of adapting national policies to local contexts to ensure they serve the best interests of the people.