Congress MP Manish Tewari Criticizes New Criminal Laws, Amit Shah Defends Them

New Delhi, India – On July 1, Congress MP Manish Tewari expressed concerns about the new criminal laws introduced by the Central government, claiming they could turn the country into a police state. The laws, named Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita, came into effect at midnight on July 1.

Tewari stated, “They will lay the foundations of a Police State in the country.” He also criticized the government’s lack of response to China’s transgressions into Indian territory over the past four years and the absence of a debate on the issue in Parliament.

In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the new laws and criticized the opposition for their stance. Shah highlighted that extensive discussions were held in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha before the laws were implemented. He said, “For these new laws, a few friends in the Opposition are saying different things before the media. I would like to tell you all that 9.29 hours of discussions were held in Lok Sabha and 34 members participated in them. In Rajya Sabha, over 6 hours of discussions were held. 40 members participated in the discussions.”

Shah also mentioned that the new laws will be implemented in all Union territories by August 15 and that extensive training for police personnel is underway. The laws received Parliament’s approval on December 21, 2023, and President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on December 25, 2023.

Details of the New Laws