The Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act, which have served as the foundation of India's criminal justice system for over a century, will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
Jul 1, 2024
By: ashmita.gupta@timesinternet.in
Credit: iStock
The new laws allow for registering First Information Reports (FIRs) at any police station ("Zero FIR") and mandatory videography of crime scenes for serious offenses to strengthen criminal investigations.
Credit: iStock
Judgments in criminal cases must be delivered within 45 days of the trial's completion, and charges must be framed within 60 days of the first hearing.
Credit: iStock
The laws require authorities to inform victims about the investigation's progress within 90 days. It also enables online complaint filing, electronic summons via SMS, and swift sharing of evidence.
Credit: iStock
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) increases fines for 83 crimes and introduces mandatory minimum punishments for 23 offenses.
Credit: iStock
The BNS includes a new chapter specifically addressing sexual crimes against women and children.
Credit: iStock
Gang rape carries a sentence of 20 years or life imprisonment in all cases. A new category, "gang rape of a woman under 18," is introduced with harsher penalties.
Credit: iStock
The BNS tackles previously unaddressed crimes like false marriage promises, mob lynching, and chain snatching.
Credit: iStock
Section 113.(1) of the BNS defines terrorism. Terrorist acts are punishable by death or life imprisonment without parole.
Credit: iStock
BNS Section 113. (1) defines acts using explosives, poisonous gases, or nuclear materials to cause death, damage property, or smuggle currency as "terrorist acts."
Credit: iStock
Destroying public or private property and causing "widespread loss by reason of damage or destruction of critical infrastructure" are crimes under the BNS.
Credit: iStock