Why our new criminal laws do little to reform India’s justice system
- Arun George
- TIMESOFINDIA.COMUpdated: Dec 22, 2023, 15:23 IST IST
In spite of over 140 lawmakers — all from Opposition parties — being suspended from Parliament, the government moved and passed, what it says, are the “three biggest changes to India’s criminal law since Independence”. However, there was little debate on the legislation in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with most MPs only talking about the law's virtues.
In around 72 hours, the new laws were passed by Parliament and will now go to the President for her approval. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill replace the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act respectively. The three laws being replaced form the foundation of India’s creaky criminal justice system that suffers from overburdening, delays and insufficient resources.
In around 72 hours, the new laws were passed by Parliament and will now go to the President for her approval. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill replace the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act respectively. The three laws being replaced form the foundation of India’s creaky criminal justice system that suffers from overburdening, delays and insufficient resources.
