Today, On 19th November, Amit Shah announced a 70% decrease in violence over the past decade in Kashmir, the North-East, and Naxalite regions, attributing this to government efforts. He emphasized modernization of the criminal justice system, the successful implementation of new laws, and significant improvements in internal security, despite emerging challenges.
BJP leader Suresh Nakhua requested more time to rectify a flawed affidavit in his defamation case against YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. Rathee sought the case’s dismissal, emphasizing Nakhua’s repeated errors. The court noted procedural issues and scheduled a hearing for February 2025, awaiting clarification on the affidavit’s compliance with new legal requirements.
The Delhi High Court highlighted the need to discard outdated criminal laws in favor of newly enacted legislation, reinforcing Parliament’s intent. The court condemned reliance on old laws in new petitions, urging adherence to the updated legal framework established on July 1, 2024, to enhance justice effectiveness and align with modern societal needs.
New criminal laws effective since July 1 challenge Delhi’s veteran lawyers to relearn legal sections they have known for decades, under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section numbers have changed, requiring significant effort and adaptation. Concerns arise regarding increased police power and limitations on freedom of expression. The impact on the judicial system and legal practice in India is unfolding.
On July 15, the Union Home Ministry agreed to suspend provisions in newly passed criminal laws requiring evidence to be recorded via video conferencing from police stations, following protests from Delhi’s bar associations. The legal community in Delhi plans to submit a representation to the government, expressing concerns about all three criminal laws enacted this year.
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 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.
Indian Railways has launched the Sangyaan App, offering detailed information on new criminal laws set to come into effect from July 1. The app, developed by the Railway Protection Force, includes features like comprehensive legal access, comparison of laws, section-wise analysis, and advanced search tools, aiming to empower RPF personnel with essential legal information.
From July 1, the Indian Penal Code will be superseded by the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, introducing significant reforms in trial proceedings and handling of fugitive criminals. A landmark change will allow courts to hold trials and pass judgments in absentia, ensuring that the absence of the accused does not impede justice, which has been a critical issue under the current system.