The government stated on Saturday that the three new criminal laws, which replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Evidence Act, will take effect on July 1. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshaya Act are the three new criminal laws. Among many other changes, the new laws seek to completely replace the rules from the British era by defining terrorism, abolishing sedition as a crime, and adding a new section titled “offences against the state.”
Everything about three new criminal laws
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
The Indian Penal Code, 1860 is replaced by this.
Sedition has been deleted but another provision has been added to punish secessionism, separatism, rebellion and acts against India’s sovereignty, unity and integrity.
Death punishment for gang rape of minors and for mob lynching.
For the first time, community services have been added to the list of punishments.
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
This is in place of the 1973 CrPC.
Inquiry, trial, and decision must happen within 30 days after the completion of arguments.
Video recordings of sexual assault victims’ statements are made mandatory.
A new provision for the attachment of property and proceeds of crime has been introduced.
Bharatiya Sakshya, 2023
The Indian Evidence Act of 1872 has been replaced by this.
Electronic or digital records, emails, server logs, computers, cellphones, laptops, SMS, websites, location-based evidence, mails and messages on devices are evidence that can be submitted and accepted in court.
Digitisation of all records including case diary, FIR, chargesheet and judgment.
Electronic or digital records must have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as paper records.