The Punjab and Haryana High Court has allowed flexibility in filing new cases under either newly implemented or old criminal laws, stressing that the Registry cannot object based on the chosen legal framework. The recent implementation of three new criminal laws in India has sparked controversy amid efforts to modernize and Indianize the justice system, with some states considering state-level amendments in response.
Today(on1st July), the first FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, was registered in Delhi against a street vendor for obstructing a foot over bridge, sparking concerns among legal experts. The introduction of these laws, while aiming to modernize the legal system, has raised worries about potential misuse and insufficient deliberation in their implementation.
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.