From Faster Trials To Stricter Rape Laws, 10 Things You Should Know About The New Criminal Laws
The new criminal laws Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam are replacing the British system!
India is witnessing a significant transformation in its criminal justice system. The three new criminal laws, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam are set to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act starting on Monday, July 1 2024. These reforms aim to modernize and improve the efficiency of the legal system. Here are ten crucial points to understand about these new laws:
VIDEO | “We have set the priority. Top priority has been given to crime against women and children. 20 years of punishment or lifetime imprisonment has been set for committing gang rape and death penalty for rape of a minor. The statement of the victim will now be recorded at her… pic.twitter.com/RmzpDzKiVm
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 1, 2024
1) On-Time Judgements
It is required that judgments on criminal cases must now be delivered within 45 days of the conclusion of the trial; framing charges must also take place within 60 days from the commencement of the hearing. To boost witness credibility, all state governments must put in place witness protection schemes.
2) Stronger Protection For Rape Victims
Statements from rape victims will henceforth be recorded by female police officers in the presence of either their guardians or relatives to ensure a supportive atmosphere for them. Furthermore, medical reports concerning raped victims should not exceed seven days for quickening the court’s process.
3) Strict Penalties for Crimes Against Women and Children
Another chapter has been added to this law relating to offences against women and children such as buying/selling children with severe punishment attached to it. Therefore, gang rape involving minors can have penalties like capital punishment or life imprisonment.
4) Punishment for Misleading Marriage Promises
The new legislation includes punishments for those who cheat ladies with promises of marrying them only to abandon them later. This is aimed at ensuring there is deterrence and justice for such fraudulent behaviours.
5) Regular Case Updates for Victims
Within three calendar months after reporting crimes against women, one can receive regular information about her case. Additionally, hospitals must offer free first aid/medical treatment to female and children victims of offences against them to ensure that they are immediately cared for and supported.
6) Promptness During Criminal Trials
Within two weeks, both the accused and the victim will receive copies of the FIR, police report, charge sheet, statements, confessions and other related documents. This allows courts to limit adjournments which are regarded as unnecessary to speed up the process.
7) Zero FIR System
There is no need to visit a police station physically to report incidents since electronic communication has been introduced. The new Zero FIR system enables any person to lodge an FIR at any police station irrespective of the jurisdiction where it occurred thereby enabling easy access to justice.
8) Rights of the Arrested
The right of an arrested individual under this law would be given the opportunity by getting a chance to tell someone about his or her arrest with immediate effect. Arrest details will be displayed prominently in each police station and also at district headquarters for ease of reference by families or friends.
9) Mandatory Forensic Involvement
For serious offences, forensics experts must now visit crime scenes and collect evidence with the intention of improving accuracy during criminal investigations. This is aimed at ensuring that criminal investigations are reliable.
10) Gender Inclusivity
These laws have extended gender’s meaning to include transgender persons so that they can be protected further by this legal framework. For certain offences against women, victim statements should be recorded by a woman magistrate whenever possible to make the environment more comfortable and safe for the victim.
The new laws on crime constitute a holistic approach to improve India’s legal structure to achieve prompt justice, safeguard the rights of victims and enhance the efficacy of judicial systems. It is anticipated that these changes will greatly revolutionize criminal justice in this country.
First Published: July 01, 2024 2:54 PM
