Today(on 19th July), a Division Bench of Justices S.S. Sundar and N. Senthilkumar will hear the petitions challenging the constitutionality of new laws replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure, IPC, and Evidence Act. Filed by DMK organising secretary R.S. Bharathi, the PILs target the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
The West Bengal Government today has set up a seven-member committee, led by a retired judge of the Calcutta High Court, to review three new criminal laws that replaced the British-era laws on July 1. The committee, including state ministers, the advocate general, and police officials, will submit its findings within three months. West Bengal is the third state to amend these laws.
Today, On 9th July, The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging a gender-discriminatory provision in the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) following resolution of the grievance by BNSS. The court acknowledged the satisfactory address of the issue, leading to the closure of the case. This significant development promotes gender equality in legal procedures by removing gender-specific language.
The Tamil Nadu government today has formed a one-man committee to suggest changes to new criminal laws. Chief Minister MK Stalin urged the committee to consult stakeholders and submit a report within a month. The laws, criticized for lack of proper discussion, sparked protests nationwide. Karnataka also seeks state-level amendments. The Union Government passed the laws in haste and without proper consultation.
Days after the Karnataka government opposed the implementation of New Criminal Laws-Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said the state would make 23-25 amendments to these laws before being implemented in the state.
The Madras High Court Advocates’ Association (MHCAA) unanimously decided to boycott court proceedings on July 8 to protest three new criminal laws. The resolution emphasized the need for members’ support and cooperation for the protest’s success, citing concerns about the impact on justice and fairness in the legal system.
The Delhi High Court cited the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in a trademark infringement case involving the ‘SURYA’ mark. KG Marketing’s lawsuit was dismissed and the company was prohibited from using the ‘SURYA GOLD’ mark, after admitting to fabricating newspapers in court proceedings. Defendants were also instructed to file a complaint for forgery.
The Madras High Court Today (July 3rd) declined to stay the operation of the three new criminal laws that came into force on July 1 replacing the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act. It sought the response of the Central government to the plea challenging the Sanskrit/ Hindi names given to the three laws – the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
Karnataka opposes new criminal laws, plans state-level amendments to address concerns, ignoring recommendations made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The state aims to postpone enforcement until its suggestions are considered. The new laws replace British-established codes, sparking a broader debate on central versus state power balance in India and the need for adaptable national policies.
The Bar Council of Delhi has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to postpone implementing three new criminal laws. These laws, aiming to modernize justice delivery and replace British-era legislation, have raised concerns about their potential impact on the justice system, constitutional principles, and human rights. The Council emphasizes the need for thorough review and reconsideration before their enforcement.
