जनभावना टाइम्स ਇੰਡੀਆ ਡੇਲੀ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ इंडिया डेली लाइव

As 3 new criminal laws take effect from today; Top 15 changes you should know

Official sources indicated that the new laws have been crafted to address contemporary social realities and crimes effectively. With a focus on upholding the constitutional ideals, mechanisms have been introduced to ensure efficient handling of these issues. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised that the priority of the new laws will be to deliver justice, contrasting with the punitive emphasis of the outdated British-era laws.

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Courtesy: X/Arun Bothra

New Delhi: India will witness the implementation of three new criminal laws from today, marking a significant overhaul of the country's justice system and a departure from colonial-era regulations. The Indian Justice Code, Indian Civil Protection Code, and revamped Indian Evidence Act will replace the outdated British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and previous Indian Evidence Act.

Reflect commitment to enhancing efficiency and accesibility 

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These reforms aim to modernize the legal framework, introducing advancements such as the ability to file zero FIRs, lodge online police complaints, and issue summons via SMS. Among the notable provisions, the new laws mandate mandatory videography of crime scenes in cases of serious crimes, ensuring transparency and accountability in investigations. These measures reflect a commitment to enhancing efficiency and accessibility within the justice system, streamlining processes for both law enforcement and the general public. The reforms signify a decisive step towards a more equitable and technologically integrated legal system in India, aligning with contemporary standards and addressing longstanding procedural gaps inherited from the colonial era.

Why new laws have been implemented? 

Official sources indicated that the new laws have been crafted to address contemporary social realities and crimes effectively. With a focus on upholding the constitutional ideals, mechanisms have been introduced to ensure efficient handling of these issues. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised that the priority of the new laws will be to deliver justice, contrasting with the punitive emphasis of the outdated British-era laws. He stated, "These laws are formulated by Indians, for Indians, and through the Indian Parliament, marking the culmination of colonial-era judicial laws."

15 changes which will be in effect from today: 

  • Under the new laws, the verdict in criminal cases will come within 45 days of the completion of the trial. Charges will be framed within 60 days of the first hearing.
  • The statement of the rape victim will be recorded by a female police officer in the presence of her guardian or relative and the medical report will have to be submitted within 7 days.
  • The new laws define organised crimes and acts of terrorism. Sedition has been replaced by treason and videography of all search and seizure operations has been made mandatory.
  • A new chapter has been added on crimes against women and children. Buying and selling a child has been made a heinous crime. A provision of death penalty or life imprisonment has been added for gang rape of a minor.
  • Sources said that the 'overlap' sections have been merged and simplified. As against the 511 sections of the Indian Penal Code, it will have only 358 sections.
  • Sources said that cases of false promise of marriage, rape of a minor, mob lynching, snatching etc. are registered but there were no special provisions in the existing Indian Penal Code to deal with such incidents. Provisions have been made in the Indian Judicial Code to deal with them.
  • Under the new laws, now any person can register a report of incidents through electronic communication medium without going to the police station. This will make registering a case easier and faster. Quick action can be taken by the police.
  • With 'Zero FIR', now any person can register an FIR in any police station, even if the crime has not occurred in its jurisdiction. This will end the delay in starting legal proceedings and the case can be registered immediately.
  • An interesting aspect of the new law is that in case of arrest, the person has been given the right to inform any person of his choice about his condition. This will enable the arrested person to get immediate assistance.
  • Apart from this, the arrest details will be prominently displayed in police stations and district headquarters. This will enable the family and friends of the arrested person to easily get important information.
  • The investigation of crimes against women and children has been given priority in the new laws. This will ensure that the investigation will be completed within 2 months of the case being registered. Under the new laws, the victims will have the right to get regular information on the progress of their case within 90 days.
  • Under the new laws, victims of crimes against women and children will be provided free first aid or treatment in all hospitals. This provision ensures that the victim gets the necessary medical care immediately.
  • Both the accused and the victim will now have the right to file the FIR, police report, charge sheet, statement, confession and other documents within 14 days.
  • The courts can postpone the hearing of the case a maximum of 2 times to avoid unnecessary delay in the hearing of the case to provide timely justice.
  • The new laws make it mandatory for all State Governments to implement Witness Protection Schemes to ensure the safety and cooperation of witnesses and to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of the legal process.
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