New Criminal Laws Receive Presidential Assent, Replacing IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act

The President of India has given assent to crucial bills amending the existing Indian Criminal Laws, leading to the enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill. These bills, introduced to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act, respectively, have become law after receiving approval from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Passed during the winter session, these legislative changes bring significant modifications, criminalizing gang assaults while omitting the section related to activities against the state. Notably, sedition is retained as a crime under Section 150 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill. The central government emphasized the need to Indianize the colonial-era criminal laws, and the bills were successfully passed during a session when opposition parties were absent due to suspension.

The legislative overhaul brings significant changes to India’s legal framework, marking a departure from colonial-era criminal laws. The amendments, proposed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and later examined by the Standing Committee, aim to modernize and contextualize the legal system. With the criminalization of gang assaults, the legal provisions have been strengthened to address evolving challenges in the realm of public safety.

It’s noteworthy that the omission of the section related to activities against the state reflects a shift towards aligning the legal framework with contemporary democratic principles. However, the retention of sedition as a crime underscores the delicate balance between national security and the preservation of free speech.

The passage of these bills during a session where opposition parties were absent due to suspension has sparked debates about the legislative process’s transparency and inclusivity. The government’s assertion that these changes are essential for the ‘Indianization’ of laws has been met with varied reactions, emphasizing the need for a robust legal system that reflects the nation’s values and aspirations.