Major Overhaul In Indian Criminal Laws To Be Implemented From July 1, Announces Law Minister Arjun R

In a historic announcement, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, revealed that India's criminal laws will undergo a significant transformation starting July 1, 2024. This overhaul introduces the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, replacing the longstanding Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

 

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Minister Meghwal emphasized the importance of these sweeping changes, designed to modernize and strengthen India’s criminal justice system. "Following extensive consultations and recommendations from the Law Commission of India, we are ready to implement these new laws," he stated.

 

The Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, which will replace the IPC, reduces the number of sections from 511 to 358, while introducing 20 new offenses. Penalties for 33 crimes have been increased, with fines enhanced for 83 offenses. Moreover, mandatory minimum punishments have been established for 23 crimes, and community service penalties have been introduced for six offenses. Additionally, 19 sections have been repealed.

 

The new Bharatiya Suraksha Sanhita will take the place of the CrPC, expanding to 531 sections from the previous 484. This revised code includes 177 modified provisions, nine new sections, and 39 new subsections, along with 44 fresh provisions and clarifications to improve procedural efficiency.

 

Significant updates are also seen in the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, which expands to 170 provisions from 167, adding two new provisions and six sub-provisions while repealing six. This act aims to modernize the handling of evidence, notably incorporating audio and video recording in 35 different contexts to ensure greater transparency and accuracy in judicial processes.

 

Minister Meghwal underscored the extensive training efforts supporting these changes, led by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD). "Our judicial academies and national law universities are also engaged in these training programs to ensure seamless implementation," he added.

 

This revamp represents a major step forward in India’s legal landscape, reflecting a commitment to a more efficient and transparent criminal justice system.