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.
