Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressing the media at the Parliament Library on Monday. (File Photo)
The BJP on Monday said the new criminal law is a symbol of India’s progress and resilience, positioning the country for a more just and secure future.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured the public that the three new criminal laws, which replaced the colonial-era laws on Monday, will focus on providing justice rather than punishment. Responding to concerns raised by the opposition over the new law, Shah said India’s criminal justice system is becoming ‘Swadeshi’.
Effective July 1, new laws – Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) – replace the British-era IPC, Criminal Procedure Code, and Indian Evidence. Act, respectively. Addressing the media at the Parliamentary Library, Shah said the reforms would help speed up the judicial process.
Colonial Law
“…my friends in the opposition said various things before the media. 9.29 hours of discussion was held in the Lok Sabha and 34 members participated. In the Rajya Sabha, more than 6 hours of discussion was held. 40 members participated in the discussion. It is also said that the bill is false brought after members were sent out (delayed). The Bill has been listed before the Business Advisory Committee,” the minister said in response to allegations by the Congress and other opposition parties.
#WATCH | While talking about the new criminal law, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “For this new law, some friends in the Opposition said different things before the media… Sabha and 34 members… pic.twitter.com/kGnOmS0yMx— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2024
After 75 years of the country’s independence, Shah said that this new law was being considered and then the colonial laws were repealed. “Instead of ‘Dand’, it is now ‘Nyay’. Instead of delay, there will be speedy trial and speedy justice. Earlier, only the rights of the Police were protected, but now the rights of victims and complainants will also be protected,” he said. During a press conference, Shah said that the priority of sections and chapters in the new criminal law is in line with the spirit of the Constitution of India.
“The first priority is given to (the chapter on) crimes against women and children. I believe that this should be done first. The whole chapter with 35 sections and 13 provisions has been added. Now, the gangrape will attract 20 years in prison or life imprisonment, rape of a minor will attract the death penalty, a separate crime has been established for sexual exploitation by concealing identity or false promises,” he said.
‘Symbol of India’s progress’
He added, “A provision has been made to record the victim’s statement at her home in the presence of the female officer and her own family. Apart from this, online FIR facility has also been provided. We believe that many women can be saved from embarrassment in this way.” The BJP earlier today said the new criminal law is a symbol of India’s progress and resilience, positioning the country for a more just and secure future.
Responding to a question at a press conference, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Indian Evidence Act, which date from 1860 and 1872, are antiquated and ill-equipped to deal with contemporary issues. issue. “Today is a historic day in the history of our country, India. A developing society needs laws that meet their needs and demands, protect their rights,” he said. Bhatia called the new law a symbol of India’s progress and resilience, placing the country for a more just and secure future.
Highlighting the comprehensive nature of the new legislation, he outlined several key changes. “In the previous law, terrorism did not have a definition, making it difficult for prosecutors and police to file charges or prove a case. The new law has defined terrorism,” said Bhatia. This clarity, he said, would strengthen India’s resolve to eradicate terrorism. Bhatia also emphasized the inclusion of mob lynching as a special offense with the potential for the death penalty. He also showed a special focus on the rights of women and children.
Crimes against women, children
“There is a separate chapter for crimes against women and children, ensuring specificity and preventing criminals from committing such crimes,” a BJP spokesperson said. The new law also aims to speed up justice, he said. “The verdict, if applicable to a criminal case, should be delivered within 45 days,” Bhatia said. He pointed out that this provision overcomes the delays caused by judicial retirement and bench reconstitution, ensuring due justice for all.
Addressing the wider social implications, Bhatia said the new law is symbolic that a new and resilient India is ready to implement the laws passed by our legislators. He places this legal transformation as part of a larger narrative of national progress and modernization. Addressing the opposition, Bhatia said, “I am sure he has not read these three laws, it is like he holds the Constitution but does not care to read it”. He emphasized that the entire nation has come forward to complete and accept the new criminal law.