criminal law bills

1. Lok Sabha approves three criminal law bills for significant legislative changes.
2. The focus is on enhancing justice rather than merely imposing punishment, aligning with the spirit of the Constitution.
3. These bills were approved by the Lower House in the absence of 97 suspended MPs.

New Delhi, Dec 20: Lok Sabha has passed three revised criminal law bills, marking significant legislative developments.

These bills include the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, intended to replace the Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, aiming to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita, seeking to replace the Indian Evidence Act.

These bills were approved by the Lower House in the absence of 97 suspended MPs. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while introducing the bills, emphasized that their focus is on providing justice rather than mere punishment.

Shah highlighted that the Indian Penal Code’s original motive was to administer punishment, and the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, if passed, would shift the emphasis towards justice.

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Amit Shah explained that these criminal law bills align with the spirit of the Constitution. He addressed challenges faced by the poor in accessing justice, emphasizing the financial hurdles and the prolonged delays in the judicial system.

Shah remarked on the common phenomenon of “Tareekh pe tareekh” (date after date) and the blame game between the police, judiciary, and government for delays. He asserted that the new laws clarify several aspects and aim to streamline the judicial process.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, in particular, emphasizes a shift from punishment-centric approaches to prioritizing justice.

Shah highlighted the importance of addressing financial challenges for the poor in seeking justice.

These bills, initially introduced during the Monsoon Session, were presented in their amended versions during the Winter Session. The legislative changes aim to reform and modernize criminal laws in the country, reflecting the evolving legal landscape and constitutional principles.