New Criminal Laws in India: Changes Explained by Navin Kumar
Introduction of New Laws
On July 1, new criminal laws came into effect in India. These laws are called Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). They replace the old laws: Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act.
Navin Kumar’s Statement
Navin Kumar, Secretary General of the Advocate Association in the Jharkhand High Court, said these new laws are designed to meet the needs of a changing India and will ensure timely justice. He mentioned that training has been provided to lawyers and judicial officers to ensure a smooth transition.
Details of the New Laws
| Law | Sections | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) | 358 | 20 new crimes added, increased imprisonment for 33 crimes, higher fines for 83 crimes, mandatory minimum punishment for 23 crimes, community service penalty for 6 crimes, 19 sections removed. |
| Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) | 531 | 177 provisions changed, 9 new sections, 39 new sub-sections, 44 new provisions, timelines added to 35 sections, audio-video provision added at 35 places, 14 sections removed. |
| Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) | 170 | 24 provisions changed, 2 new provisions, 6 sub-provisions added, 6 provisions removed. |
Approval and Implementation
The new laws were passed by Parliament on December 21, 2023, and received the President’s assent on December 25, 2023. They were published in the official gazette on the same day.
