New Delhi: Starting July 1st, 2024, India will witness the implementation of three new significant criminal laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
These laws, passed during last year’s winter session of Parliament, mark a pivotal moment in India’s legal framework, aiming to enhance citizen empowerment and streamline judicial processes.
Preparations for the rollout have been meticulous, with the government conducting extensive consultations with states and union territories to bolster technological infrastructure, capacity building, and public awareness.
Authorities are primed to enforce the new laws effectively from day one, ensuring seamless integration across the nation.
Key provisions of the new legislation include provisions for online incident reporting, the ability to file First Information Reports (FIR) at any police station, and free access to FIR copies for victims. Notably, individuals under arrest now have the right to inform a chosen person about their situation.
Moreover, the laws mandate expedited investigations into offenses against women and children, requiring completion within two months of case initiation. Forensic experts must now visit crime scenes for serious offenses to ensure thorough evidence collection, while summons can be served electronically to expedite legal proceedings and reduce paperwork.
In anticipation of these changes, extensive training programs have been conducted for police and investigative authorities to facilitate a smooth transition. Government efforts to raise public awareness have included news bulletins, discussions on Doordarshan and Akashvani, social media campaigns, interactive programs, and informational websites. Educational institutions at all levels are also contributing, with curriculum modules focused on the new laws and activities scheduled nationwide to educate students and the public.
Highlighting the role of technology in enhancing investigative and judicial processes, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has made 23 functional enhancements to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS) application. This initiative aims to support states and union territories in seamlessly adopting the new legal framework.
Tomorrow, educational institutions across India, under the direction of bodies like the University Grants Commission and All India Council for Technical Education, will conduct various activities including workshops, discussions, and quizzes to familiarize students with the new criminal laws. Simultaneously, every police station in states and union territories will host programs led by their respective Officers-in-Charge to educate the public about the salient features of the new legislation.
The introduction of these laws represents a concerted effort by the Indian government to modernize and strengthen its legal framework, aiming to provide more accessible and efficient justice for all citizens.