New Criminal Laws in India: Key Changes

Mon, 01 Jul 2024

India has recently introduced new criminal laws aimed at safeguarding citizens' rights and strengthening justice. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 have come into effect, transforming the legal framework in the country.

One of the key changes is the introduction of a 15-day police remand that can be taken in whole or part over the first 40/60 days of the 60/90-day detention period. This allows for a more nuanced approach to investigations and ensures that accused individuals are not held in custody unnecessarily long. Additionally, bail cannot be denied solely due to witness identification, and police custody is no longer permitted when an accused person is already on bail.

The new laws also give police the discretion to handcuff arrested persons during arrest or court production, subjecting only habitual and heinous offenders to this measure. This provision aims to reduce escape attempts by accused individuals and enhance public safety.

These changes are expected to have a significant impact on the Indian criminal justice system, providing greater protections for citizens and enhancing the efficiency of investigations and trials. As the country continues to evolve and adapt its laws to meet the needs of its growing population, these reforms demonstrate a commitment to upholding human rights and delivering justice fairly and effectively.

Published by Chronicles Of India. Scroll down to read more