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India criminal law reforms
- Three new criminal laws will replace colonial-era laws starting tomorrow, aiming to modernize India’s justice system.
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act, respectively.
- Key features include Zero FIR, online police complaint registration, electronic summonses, and mandatory crime scene videography for serious crimes.
- The laws prioritize justice over penal action, marking a departure from British-era laws, according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
- They streamline legal processes, ensure quicker trials, and provide specific provisions for crimes like rape, child abuse, and terrorism.
- New protections include mandatory forensic visits to crime scenes, regular case updates for victims, and medical treatment provisions for victims of crimes against women and children.
- Electronic reporting, witness protection schemes, and inclusivity in legal proceedings are also mandated under the new laws.
- The reforms aim to enhance transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the criminal justice system, reflecting Indian values and constitutional ideals.
