The Editors Guild of India (EGI) has expressed concerns to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about potential misuse of new criminal laws against journalists. They emphasize the need for additional safeguards and proposed a review of the laws to prevent frivolous prosecution. The Guild seeks protection of media freedom under the Indian Constitution and requests a meeting with Shah to address these issues.
On Friday(26th July), Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal criticized India’s new criminal laws for increasing government control over citizens, undermining democracy. Sibal warned that the laws are oppressive, targeting the opposition and threatening personal freedoms, while neglecting important social issues. He questioned the compatibility of the new laws with constitutional values and criticized their misleading titles.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram demanded the central government to abolish nationwide exams like NEET-UG and grant states control over medical college admissions. He called for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation due to NEET-UG 2024 cheating scandals. Chidambaram also addressed the new criminal laws and BJP’s allegations against Rahul Gandhi as “complete rubbish.”
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.
![[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.
Former SCBA president Adish Aggarwala wrote to PM Modi, praising new criminal laws but stressing the need for increased judicial personnel, police, and forensic experts. He criticized the past regime for implementing laws without necessary support and pointed out challenges in the current system. Aggarwala urged PM Modi to ensure proper implementation with adequate infrastructure.
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.
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.
Today, On 2nd July, Chief Justice of India declined to comment on new criminal laws, anticipating future sub judice matters. These laws replace British-era statutes, but face legal challenges. The CJI’s silence underscores expected litigation and the judiciary’s commitment to impartiality. The laws mark a significant shift towards a more responsive criminal justice system in India.