Today (June 28th), Senior Advocate & Member of Parliament P Wilson met with Hon’ble Union Minister of State (I/C) for Law & Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India- Arjun Ram Meghwal at Parliament and presented a representation to stop the implementation of New Criminal Laws.
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NEW DELHI: Senior Advocate and Member of Parliament P Wilson engaged in a crucial discussion with the Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law & Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal. The meeting centered on P Wilson’s representation, urging the Government of India to reconsider the implementation of three new parliamentary acts set to replace long-standing legal frameworks in the country.
The acts in question are “The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023,” “Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023,” and “Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023.”
The New Legislative Frameworks: An Overview
These three legislative acts, scheduled to come into force on July 1, 2024, aim to replace the Indian Penal Code of 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.
This legislative overhaul is one of the most significant changes to India’s criminal justice system in over a century, sparking extensive debate and concern among legal professionals and other stakeholders.
Concerns Voiced by Legal Stakeholders
During the meeting, P Wilson articulated the widespread concerns of stakeholders, including lawyers, advocates’ associations, and various state bar councils. He emphasized the unrest caused by these impending legislative changes and highlighted the protests and opposition from various legal bodies.
The primary apprehensions revolve around the potential implications these new laws may have on the legal system’s functioning and the principles of justice.
The Representation: A Call for Reconsideration
In his representation, P Wilson requested the Government to halt the implementation of these acts and to reconsider the necessity and timing of enacting such comprehensive changes.
He stressed the importance of thorough consultation with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that any new legal frameworks adequately address their concerns and uphold the integrity of India’s judicial system.
Law Minister’s Assurance
Responding to the concerns raised, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal assured P Wilson that the Government would carefully examine the representation.
He acknowledged the significance of the issues presented and committed to a detailed review of the proposed acts and their potential impact on the legal community and the broader public.
Implications of the New Acts
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 aims to revamp the existing criminal code, introducing new provisions and amendments to modernize the legal framework. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 seeks to reform the criminal procedure, potentially altering how criminal trials are conducted and the rights of the accused.
The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 focuses on evidence law, aiming to streamline and update the rules governing the admissibility and evaluation of evidence in criminal proceedings.
Stakeholders’ Concerns and Protests
Stakeholders have expressed significant concerns over these changes, arguing that they could disrupt the established legal processes and potentially undermine the rights of individuals. The protests led by lawyers, advocates’ associations, and state bar councils reflect a deep-seated apprehension about the readiness of the legal system to adapt to these sweeping changes.
There is a call for more comprehensive dialogue and consideration of the practical implications before such fundamental shifts are implemented.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
The meeting between P Wilson and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about the future of India’s legal system. As the Government considers the representation and the concerns of the legal community, it remains to be seen how these new acts will shape the landscape of criminal justice in India.
The assurance from the Law Minister to review the issues raised offers a glimmer of hope for a more consultative and measured approach to these significant legislative changes.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on New Criminal Laws
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