Sitaram Yechury Criticizes New Criminal Laws Passed Without Discussion
New Delhi [India], July 1, 2024: CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has voiced strong criticism against the new criminal laws that came into effect on July 1. Yechury stated that these laws were passed in Parliament without any discussions and after suspending almost 150 MPs.
Yechury highlighted that the new laws, which include extending police custody from 15 days to 60 days, are an attack on the democratic rights of the public. He called for the suspension of these laws until they can be reviewed and improved through discussions with all stakeholders.
The new criminal laws, named Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita, were approved by Parliament on December 21, 2023, and received the President’s assent on December 25, 2023. These laws introduce several changes, including new crimes, increased fines, and mandatory minimum punishments.
| Law | Sections | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita | 358 | 20 new crimes, increased imprisonment for 33 crimes, increased fines for 83 crimes, mandatory minimum punishment for 23 crimes, community service penalty for 6 crimes, 19 sections repealed |
| Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita | 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sub-sections, 44 new provisions, timelines added to 35 sections, audio-video provision added at 35 places, 14 sections repealed |
| Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam | 170 | 24 provisions changed, 2 new provisions, 6 sub-provisions added, 6 provisions repealed |
