Implementation of New Criminal Laws Starting July 2024
India is set to witness a significant overhaul in its criminal laws as the Union Government has announced the enactment of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, slated to come into force from July 1, 2024. This marks a momentous change, replacing longstanding legislations like the Indian Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure.
In a move aimed at modernizing the legal framework and enhancing the safety of its citizens, the government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, issued notifications confirming the commencement dates for these laws. The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, designed to protect civil rights and dictate penal measures, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, set to refine evidentiary rules in legal proceedings, represent a transformative step towards reforming the judicial system in India.
However, the implementation of Sub Section (2) of Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to penalties for rash and negligent driving leading to death, has been temporarily suspended. This pause comes amid widespread protests by truckers who expressed concerns over the stringent nature of the proposed penalties.
The Parliament passed the new laws on December 21, 2023, and subsequently received Presidential assent on December 25, 2023. Despite this, the statutes will only take effect from the date set by the Union Government, which is now confirmed to be July 2024.
These reforms are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to update and streamline the country’s legal system. The new codes are expected to introduce more coherent and contemporary practices aligning with societal values and technological advancements. Citizens and legal practitioners alike are keenly awaiting further details on the procedural aspects of these laws and their impact on the justice system in India.
The suspension of the contentious driving provision indicates the government’s responsiveness to public feedback and its willingness to deliberate on the implications of new legislation. The legal community is closely monitoring these developments, as the suspension indicates a possibility of amendments to address the concerns the transportation sector raises.
As India prepares to usher in this new legal era, the government’s commitment to enforcing these laws while considering the public’s voice reflects a democratic approach to lawmaking and enforcement. The coming months will likely involve a comprehensive educational campaign to inform the public about the new laws and their implications, ensuring a smooth transition once they come into effect.
Read the MHA notification regarding BNS.
https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/bharatiya-nagarik-suraksha-sanhita-524232.pdf
