Replacing Colonial-Era IPC, New Criminal Laws Come Into Effect Today

Three new criminal laws - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam - have come into effect across the entire country today.

The implementation of these criminal laws marks a major transformation in the country's criminal justice system. These laws have replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

Photo Credit: PTI

Ahead of the implementation, informational posters were displayed at various locations, especially police stations in the national capital, including Connaught Place, Tughlak Road, and Tughlaqabad. These posters aim to educate the public about the new laws and their implications.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

The Bharatiya Nyaya has 358 sections, reduced from 511 in IPC. 20 new crimes have been added to its list, and imprisonment has been increased for 33 crimes.

Besides this, fines have also been increased for 83 crimes. Mandatory minimum punishment have also been introduced for 23 crimes

Community service has also been introduced in India for 6 crimes, a first. Section 19 has been removed.

Focus Areas

Crimes against Women and Children: New chapter introduced

Sexual Crimes: Enhanced provisions for rape and gang rape, especially involving minors, with severe penalties including life imprisonment or death penalty for gang rape of girls under 18.

Fraudulent Marriage Promises: Penalties for engaging in sexual intercourse under false promises of marriage.

Terrorism: Defined and made a punishable offense, with penalties including the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole for terrorist acts.

Zero FIR: Can be lodged anywhere, ensuring victim rights to information and progress updates within 90 days.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita has a total of 531 sections, an increase from 484 in CrPC. 177 provisions have been changed in this, and 9 new sections have been added.

Besides this, 39 new sub-sections have been added. The act has 44 new provisions and clarifications. Timelines have been added to 35 sections and audio-video provisions have been added at 35 places. Section 14 has been repealed.

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam has 170 sections: 170 - an increase from 167 in the original act. Here, 24 provisions have been changed and 2 new added.

6 new sub-provisions have been added and a many removed.

Impact of these new laws

These new laws are designed to modernise India's criminal justice system, focusing on crimes against vulnerable groups like women and children, and addressing national security issues more robustly.

By removing outdated colonial-era provisions and introducing more stringent punishments and clear definitions, these reforms aim to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness of the criminal justice system in India.