New Criminal Laws in India: Dr. Adish Aggarwala Writes to PM Modi

The All India Bar Association (AIBA) has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting the need for more police personnel, judicial officers, public prosecutors, court managers, and forensic experts to effectively implement new criminal laws.

Key Suggestions

Dr. Adish Aggarwala, chairman of AIBA, emphasized the importance of increasing the strength of these roles to ensure timely completion of trials, swift registration of FIRs, and expedient investigations.

New Criminal Laws

Effective from July 1, 2024, the new laws require FIRs to be recorded within three days of electronic complaints. Courts must frame charges within sixty days from the first hearing, and trials in absentia can proceed after ninety days from charge framing. Judgments must be pronounced within 45 days after trial conclusion and uploaded within seven days.

Public Response

Dr. Aggarwala noted that these reforms have been positively received by the public, who hope for an end to prolonged judicial processes. He also highlighted the need for adequate infrastructure to ensure these laws are not just theoretical but practical.

Parliamentary Approval

The three new criminal laws were passed by both Houses of Parliament in December 2023 and received the President’s assent on December 25, 2023. The reforms have been welcomed by various leaders, including the Chief Justice of India, Dr. Justice DY Chandrachud.