Nagaland University organized a lecture program on July 1 to coincide with the enforcement of three new criminal laws. The “Lecture on Three New Criminal Laws” was held in hybrid mode with the physical venue being the conference hall in the Examination Building at Nagaland University, Lumami.
Chaired by Peter Ki, PRO of Nagaland University, the lecture featured two resource persons. Prof. Subhram Rajkhowa from USTM and former Dean & Head of the P.G. Department of Law at Gauhati University delivered his lecture online. Dr. Rumi Dhar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Law at Nagaland University, delivered her lecture in person.
Prof Subhram Rajkhowa highlighted the differences between the old and new laws. He noted that while the old IPC had 511 sections, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita now has 358 sections; the old CrPC had 484 sections, whereas the new Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita comprises 531 sections; and the old Evidence Act had 167 sections compared to the new Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam with 170 sections. Prof. Rajkhowa also emphasized key provisions of the BNSS Act, such as mandatory timelines for rape examinations within seven days, judgment within 30 days of concluding arguments (extendable), informing victims of investigation progress within 90 days, filing plea bargains within 30 days from the framing of charges, and framing charges within 60 days from the first hearing. He further discussed the implications of the sedition laws in the country.
Dr Rumi Dhar addressed the necessity of these new Acts, explaining their key features and benefits for criminal law reform in India. She highlighted advancements such as electronic trials, expanded provisions for medical examinations in rape cases, and the introduction of the concept of Zero FIR.
During his presentation, Prof. Rajkhowa provided background on the enactment of the three new criminal laws. He mentioned that in 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs formed a committee chaired by Dr. Ranbir Singh, former VC of National Law University Delhi, to review the existing Codes of Criminal Law: the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC), the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898 (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (IEA). The bills received presidential assent on December 25, 2023, thereby becoming Acts.