New Criminal Laws in India: Starting July 1, India will witness a historic transformation in its criminal justice system with the implementation of three new criminal laws. These laws will replace the colonial-era codes: the Indian Penal Code (IPC) will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Indian Evidence Act by the Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita. (New Criminal Laws in India)
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Digital Evidence and FIR Filing Process –
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita prioritizes electronic evidence (audio-video)
Citizens can file FIRs at any police station nationwide
Cases will be transferred to jurisdictions where the crime occurred
Prosecution of police or government officials requires authorization within 120 days
Silent approval assumed if no decision is made within the stipulated period
Strict Timeline Implementation –
Police must file charge sheets within 90 days of FIR registration
Courts must frame charges within 60 days of charge sheet submission
Judgments must be delivered within 30 days of trial completion
Mandatory written notification to arrested person’s family
Provisions for Prison Reform –
Section 479 allows bail for first-time offenders who have served one-third of potential sentence
Excludes those sentenced to life imprisonment
Aims to address prison overcrowding
Conditional release based on good behavior and nature of offense
Women and Child Protection Laws :
Sexual Offenses Against Minors –
Rape of minor below 16 years: Minimum 20 years imprisonment, extendable to life
Rape of child below 12 years: 20 years to life imprisonment plus fine
Death penalty provision for gang rape of minors
Sexual Offenses and Marriage –
Sexual relations under false promise of marriage categorized separately under Section 69
Maximum punishment of 10 years for deception through false promises of marriage, employment, or promotion
Marital rape not recognized for wives above 18 years
Murder and Mob Violence –
Mob lynching specifically categorized as offense under Section 103
Punishments range from 7 years imprisonment to death penalty
Aimed at deterring vigilante justice and mob violence
Terrorism and National Security :
New Definition of Terrorism –
Comprehensive definition including acts threatening India’s unity, integrity, and security
Includes counterfeit currency operations
Covers biological, radioactive, nuclear attacks
Includes destruction of government property within or outside India
Addresses kidnapping to influence government decisions
Anti-National Activities –
No separate sedition law
War against nation punishable by death or life imprisonment
Section 149 covers arms gathering for war
7-year imprisonment for social media posts promoting disharmony
Mental Health and Cruelty –
Mental harassment classified as cruelty under Section 85
Abetment to suicide of women considered cruelty
Three-year imprisonment for endangering women’s health
Recognizes psychological abuse as punishable offense
Organized Crime –
Section 111 addresses organized criminal activities
Covers contract killing, extortion, financial crimes
Punishments include death penalty or life imprisonment
Special provisions for gang-related activities
Additional Key Provisions –
Court summons violation: 3 years imprisonment and/or fine
Attempted suicide to obstruct official work: 1 year imprisonment and/or fine
First-time theft below ₹5,000: Community service after property return
Public intoxication: 24-hour imprisonment, ₹1,000 fine, or community service
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