Today, On 1st July, Amit Shah, India’s Home Minister, introduced three new criminal laws emphasizing justice over punishment. These laws aim to streamline the legal process, ensure swifter justice delivery, and prioritize rehabilitation over stringent penalties.
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, On Monday, proclaimed that the implementation of new criminal laws, which came into effect today, prioritize justice over punitive measures, marking a departure from colonial-era statutes.
He asserted that these laws have transformed the criminal justice system into a “completely Swadeshi” (indigenous) one, aligning it with the spirit of the Indian Constitution.
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Shah expressed his satisfaction, stating,
“I congratulate our nation that after 77 years of independence, our criminal justice system is becoming entirely indigenous.”
These reforms highlights a significant shift towards a more responsive and inclusive legal framework in India.
Amit Shah emphasized during a press briefing that the newly enacted criminal laws, such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), reflect Indian ethos after 75 years of contemplation.
He stated,
“Today marks the end of colonial-era laws as we implement legislation passed by the Indian Parliament. Instead of punishment (‘Dand’), the focus is on justice (‘Nyay’), ensuring swift trials and protecting the rights of victims and complainants.”
The Union Minister highlighted that “numerous groups will experience the benefits” of the updated criminal laws, which place a strong emphasis on safeguarding the interests of women and children.
Shah remarked,
“We have prioritized sections and chapters in accordance with the spirit of our Constitution. Crimes against women and children have been given first priority. This should have been done much earlier.”
These reforms signal a pivotal shift towards a more responsive and equitable criminal justice system in India, addressing contemporary societal needs and evolving criminal challenges.
Amit Shah dismissed allegations of passing laws without sufficient parliamentary discussion, saying,
“No other law in the history of the country has undergone such detailed discussion in Parliament.”
Regarding the first case under the new criminal laws, the Home Minister reported,
“The inaugural case was registered in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, involving a theft where a motorcycle was stolen. The registration took place at 12:10 am.”
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Starting in July, the newly enacted legislation will supersede the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act.
Moving forward, all new FIRs will be registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). However, ongoing cases initiated before the new laws took effect will be adjudicated under the previous statutes until their conclusion.