Scheduled to take effect from July 1, as confirmed by notifications from the Union Home Ministry, these laws will replace the outdated colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act of 1872.
The Indian criminal justice system is poised for a transformative shift as three new laws - the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act - are set to revolutionize the legal landscape.
These laws, aimed at completely overhauling the existing system, received parliamentary approval on December 21, with President Droupadi Murmu's assent granted on December 25.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced these groundbreaking developments during the fifth International and 44th All India Criminology Conference of the National Forensic Sciences University in Gujarat's Gandhinagar.
Shah emphasized that the introduction of these new laws marks a significant milestone, propelling India's criminal justice system into a modern era. He underscored the government's commitment to ensuring timely justice and enhancing conviction rates to deter crimes through the implementation of these laws.
Furthermore, Shah outlined key provisions of the new legislation, including a mandate for Forensic Science Officers' presence at crime scenes involving serious offenses, aimed at streamlining investigations and judicial proceedings.
He articulated a comprehensive vision for modernizing the entire criminal justice system within the next five years, envisioning India's system to be the most advanced globally.
Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Shah highlighted the government's concerted efforts in various domains, particularly in education, forensic science, and the criminal justice system.
He emphasized the collaborative role of Behavioral Science in crime prevention, advocating for its integration into primary education to address criminal tendencies proactively.
In conclusion, Shah reiterated the government's commitment to fostering a safer and more just society, underpinned by progressive legal reforms and a holistic approach to crime prevention. The initiatives announced are poised to usher in a new era of justice delivery and law enforcement in India, aligning with the nation's aspirations for a modern and equitable legal framework.
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