Centre declares three new criminal laws effective 1 July

The Centre has announced that three new criminal laws, aimed at overhauling the nation’s criminal justice system, will come into effect from 1 July. These laws, namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, represent a significant revamp of the country’s legal framework. However, a specific provision regarding hit-and-run cases under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been temporarily suspended.

A gazette notification issued on Friday states, “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023), the Central Government hereby appoints July 1, 2024, as the date on which the provisions of the said Sanhita, except the provision of sub-section (2) of section 106, shall come into force.”

Another notification issued on Friday declares, “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 1 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (47 of 2023), the Central Government hereby appoints July 1, 2024, as the date on which the provisions of the said Adhiniyam, shall come into force.”

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 1 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023), the Central Government hereby appoints July 1, 2024, as the date on which the provisions of the said Sanhita, except the provisions of the entry relating to section 106(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, in the First Schedule, shall come into force,” it adds.

These laws were passed during the Winter Session of Parliament and received assent from President Droupadi Murmu on 25 December. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the phased implementation of these laws across all Union Territories, emphasizing a targeted approach.

However, the introduction of these laws has sparked controversy. In January, transporters’ associations staged nationwide protests against stringent provisions outlined in the new code, particularly concerning drivers involved in fatal accidents. The Centre has assured stakeholders, including the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) that decisions regarding such provisions will be made in consultation with relevant parties.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the new legal framework, the Centre has announced the formation of a specialized team comprising 3,000 officers. This team will be responsible for training police personnel, investigators, and forensic experts across the country, with a specific focus on collecting forensic evidence and maintaining digital records.

MTNews Desk