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.
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.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the introduction of new criminal laws from July 1, aiming to replace outdated colonial-era laws in India. Despite opposition claims of non-consultation, Meghwal assured ongoing training programs and infrastructure development to support the transition, emphasizing the focus on timely and efficient justice delivery in the modern legal framework.
Former Supreme Court Judge Navin Sinha advocated for comprehensive criminal law reforms to ensure swift justice, emphasizing the need for modernization in the legal framework while balancing stringent laws with human rights protections. He highlighted the significance of training for judges and police officers. New criminal laws praised for addressing societal standards and expediting justice delivery.
The Supreme Court set to hear a plea challenging new criminal legislation, questioning its constitutionality and potential impacts on fundamental rights. The laws, known as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act, have raised concerns about police powers and violations of citizen rights, leading to a significant judicial review.
The Supreme Court Today (May 17th) sought the Centre’s stand on a petition challenging the marital rape exception under the new criminal laws. A bench headed by CJI D Y Chandrachud issued notice on the petition by the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) and said it would be listed for hearing in July along with other petitions seeking to criminalise marital rape.
Today, On 3rd May, The Supreme Court emphasized legal reforms within the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to address cruelty against women, urging the Centre to review sections 85 and 86 to prevent exploitation. The focus on strengthening legal frameworks aims to enhance protections for women and prevent misuse, promoting fairness and efficiency in legal proceedings.