Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Monday that the new criminal laws, effective today, mark the end of British-era legislation in India, transforming the criminal justice system into a wholly ‘Swadeshi’ framework. He emphasized that these laws align with the essence of our constitution and, upon full implementation, will represent the most modern legal framework.
“I would like to congratulate the people of the country that about 77 years after independence, our criminal justice system is becoming completely ‘Swadeshi’. This will function on Indian ethos. After 75 years, these laws were contemplated upon and when these laws are in effect from today, colonial laws have been scrapped and laws made in the Indian Parliament are being brought into practice,” he said.
The Union Minister highlighted that “many groups will benefit” from the new laws, which place a particular emphasis on prioritizing women and children.
“Instead of ‘Dand’, it is now ‘Nyay’. Instead of delay, there will be speedy trials and speedy justice. Earlier, only the rights of the police were protected, but now, victims’ and complainants’ rights will be protected too,” he said in a press conference.
The Home Minister emphasized that the Indian Penal Code (IPC) will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Indian Evidence Act will be replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).