On the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day, PM Modi delivered a significant address from the Red Fort, where he highlighted the transformative nature of the newly implemented criminal laws. He emphasized that the government has shifted its focus from punishment to ensuring justice for all citizens with these reforms.
The three new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—were enacted last month, marking a departure from the British-era legal framework. These new laws have replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.
“We have introduced these three new criminal laws to ensure justice for everyone. Our priority is justice over punishment,” said PM Modi during his address. He also underscored the government’s efforts to reduce bureaucratic interference in the lives of Indian citizens, particularly the middle class, and urged all levels of administration to work towards enhancing the ease of living.
Looking ahead to a potential third term, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to serving every family and elevating the nation to new heights of development. He also touched upon the crucial role of the space sector in India’s growth, noting that the sector, once restricted, has now been liberated, providing opportunities for young startups and private satellite launches.
This year’s Independence Day marks the 11th time that PM Modi has addressed the nation from the Red Fort, placing him alongside Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi as the only Prime Ministers to have achieved this milestone. The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047,’ reflects the government’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
