The Kerala High Court ruled that criminal appeals filed on or after July 1, 2024, must adhere to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) procedures, regardless of the date of the conviction judgment. Appeals filed before this date will follow the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) provisions. Refiled appeals will be dated back to their initial presentation. The Court emphasized the importance of adhering to the BNSS once proceedings under the CrPC are completed. The Court also noted a similar ruling by the Punjab and Haryana High Court but disagreed on the maintainability of appeals filed before and after July 1. The current appeal was advised to be amended to comply with BNSS, and legal representation was mentioned.
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.
![[New Criminal Laws] BNS Increases Workload for Delhi Police, Daily FIR Count Reaches 600](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-83.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Delhi Police have seen a significant increase in workload due to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), leading to an average of 600 daily FIRs and 22 arrests. This new law has led to a shift in the nature and volume of cases, with a focus on educating the public, improving conviction rates, and combating organized crime.
![[RG Kar Doctor Rape-Murder] "Zero Tolerance, Our Govt Will Amend Law Next Week to Ensure Death Penalty for Rapists": WB CM Mamata Banerjee](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-78-1.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Yesterday, On 13th July, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee plans to introduce a resolution in the Assembly opposing NEET and new criminal laws. These laws, passed without discussion, raise concerns about individual freedoms. Banerjee’s proposed resolution reflects the state government’s opposition to these measures and highlights the need for review. The outcome will have significant implications.
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.
A Mumbai court on monday (8th july) granted bail to Shiv Sena leader Rajesh Shah, held in a hit-and-run involving his son, Mihir. The court questioned the police on applying the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita law, and later granted Rajesh Shah bail. Police formed teams to locate Mihir, who remains evading arrest for over 24 hours.
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.
![[Hathras Stampede Incident] Six Volunteers Arrested , Baba May Face Questioning: UP Police](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-48.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Today, 4th July, Six sevadars, including two women, were arrested in connection with the Hathras stampede in Uttar Pradesh, leading to 121 fatalities. The police are also seeking a prominent figure named Baba for questioning. Authorities are focused on understanding the event’s factors and ensuring crowd safety in the future. The investigation is ongoing.
A police constable at the SP office in Hassan, Karnataka, allegedly attacked and fatally stabbed his wife, Mamatha, when she visited to file a complaint against him. This marks one of the first cases under the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, leading to public outcry and swift police action under BNS Section 103.