DMK MP P Wilson Meets Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to Discuss New Criminal Laws

On Friday, DMK MP and senior advocate P Wilson met with Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal at Parliament. Wilson urged the minister to reconsider the three new criminal laws set to replace older laws from July 1. These laws are the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023.

Wilson shared concerns from lawyers, advocates associations, and State Bar Councils about the unrest caused by these new laws. He mentioned ongoing protests and described the new laws as ‘old wine in a new bottle.’ The Law Minister assured Wilson that he would look into these concerns.

On June 26, the Bar Council of India (BCI) asked all Bar Associations to avoid protests and promised to discuss the issues with the Union Government. The BCI received many complaints from Bar Associations and State Bar Councils, who believe the new laws are more severe than the old ones and threaten citizens’ rights.

Prominent legal figures like Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Mukul Rohatgi, and others have also opposed the new laws. They have called for a review of these laws and other acts like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said the council would talk to the Union Government and seek help from Union Minister for Environment Bhupendra Yadav, who is also an advocate. The BCI has asked Bar Associations and senior advocates to identify specific problematic provisions in the new laws to aid in discussions with the government.