Government to Withdraw and Redraft Three Bills on Criminal Laws

The government has decided to withdraw three bills aimed at replacing existing criminal laws and will introduce redrafted versions following recommendations from a parliamentary panel. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam bills, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 11, seek to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1898, the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively.

Home Minister Amit Shah submitted three identical signed statements to Parliament, stating that the decision to withdraw the bills was made after recommendations from the parliamentary standing committee on home affairs. The committee suggested changes following discussions with domain experts and stakeholders. Amendments are proposed based on the committee’s recommendations, and the redrafted bills are expected to be introduced in Parliament on Tuesday.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 11 to repeal and replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The parliamentary standing committee on home affairs held discussions and submitted its reports with recommendations on November 10. As a result, a new bill is proposed in place of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023. Similar statements for withdrawal were made regarding the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.

The redrafted bills aim to address the committee’s recommendations and improve the proposed legislation. This move follows the government’s commitment to ensuring comprehensive amendments to criminal laws, considering input from various stakeholders.