The exemption of marital rape under Indian law has sparked scrutiny, as sexual intercourse with a wife over 18 is not classified as rape. This has raised concerns about equality, discrimination, bodily autonomy, and dignity. Despite a split verdict in the Delhi High Court, critics argue that the exemption undermines women’s fundamental rights, prompting calls for reform.
Today(on July 1),Three new criminal laws, namely Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), have replaced British-era statutes to modernize India’s criminal justice system, replacing key legislations like the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act.
Three new criminal laws, aimed at modernizing the justice system, replace colonial-era laws from today. They introduce provisions like Zero FIR, online police complaints, electronic summons, and mandatory crime scene videography. The Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated various measures for effective implementation, including technological upgrades, capacity building, publicity campaigns, inclusion in curriculum, and review meetings.
The Punjab government will implement three new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—from July 1. Extensive training and a trial run on June 29 are part of the preparation. Agencies like police, prosecution, and prisons are being trained to ensure seamless integration. The laws will replace the Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Indian Evidence Act for new cases.
Three new criminal laws, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita, set to come into force on July 1 in India, aim to modernize and expedite the legal proceedings. Notable changes include specific timelines for trials and verdicts, aimed at addressing delays and ensuring a more efficient justice delivery system.
The New Criminal Laws introduced by the Centre last year are set to come into effect from July 1. The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) will be replaced with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023. While introducing the three new criminal law bills last year, Home Minister Amit Shah said that state-of-the-art technologies have been incorporated into the new laws.
Today, On 28th June, The West Bengal Bar Council declared July 1 as a ‘black day’ in protest against three new criminal laws. The Calcutta High Court ruled that no one can be forced to observe a strike, contradicting the Bar Council’s decision. The Bar Council of India recognized protests against these laws and called for a productive discussion with the government.
Today, On 28th June, The Ministry of Home Affairs issued SOP for filing Zero FIRs and e-FIRs under the BNSS framework to modernize crime reporting and make it more accessible. The guidelines aim to leverage technology, allowing victims to report crimes promptly and accurately. Zero FIR addresses jurisdictional challenges, ensuring swift initiation of investigations.
The Centre has trained over 600,000 officials for the July 1 implementation of new criminal laws BNS, BNSS, and BSA. The laws introduce 20 new crimes, increase imprisonment for 33 offenses, and emphasize electronic reporting, victim rights, and gender sensitivity. This aims to reform India’s criminal justice system and streamline legal procedures.
