Aakanksha Jetley, Pune
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has presented three bills in the Lok Sabha that aim to replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act. The proposed bills, enacted during the British Raj, represent a complete overhaul of the country’s criminal laws.
The bills include the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023, and will be sent to a parliamentary panel for further scrutiny. The move is expected to modernise India’s criminal laws and align them with international standards.
Changes to come
Mr. Shah has repealed the sedition law, replacing it with Section 150, which criminalises acts endangering India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. The maximum penalty has increased from three to seven years.
During the parliament session, Mr. Shah stated that the death penalty would be introduced for mob lynching cases, with severity determining the punishment.
The new bills prioritise laws protecting women and children, punishing murderers, and deterring those who would harm the state. Additionally, bribing voters during elections is punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment.
The new laws in India are a significant step towards a more equitable justice system. By introducing community service as a non-custodial punishment for minor offences and making offences gender-neutral, the government sends a strong message that it is committed to ensuring justice for all.
The penalties for terrorism and organised crime are severe, which will hopefully act as a deterrent for those considering such crimes. Overall, these changes represent progress towards a fair and safe society.