West Tripura Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar Explains New Criminal Laws for Speedy Justice
West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar announced that new criminal laws have been introduced to streamline the justice process, making it more accessible and convenient for victims. These laws aim to provide speedy justice, reduce the backlog in the judicial system, and encourage more people to seek legal help.
Key Changes in the New Laws
Dr. Kumar highlighted that the new laws address issues faced by victims, especially women and children, who found it difficult to get justice under the old system. The new provisions include:
- Video conferencing for court appearances
- Zero FIRs and e-FIRs for easier complaint filing
The three new criminal laws are:
| Old Law | New Law |
|---|---|
| Indian Penal Code (IPC) | Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) |
| Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) | Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) |
| Indian Evidence Act | Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) |
Details of the New Laws
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has 358 sections, adding 20 new crimes and increasing penalties for 33 crimes. The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita has 531 sections, with 177 changes and new provisions for audio-video evidence. The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam has 170 provisions, with changes to 24 provisions and the addition of new ones.
These laws were approved by President Droupadi Murmu on December 25, 2023, and aim to make the justice system more efficient and victim-friendly.
