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India’s Legal System Embraces Reform: New Criminal Laws Take Effect

New Criminal Laws

In a significant overhaul, India’s legal framework has bid farewell to the antiquated Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act, and Code of Criminal Procedure, replacing them with modern and robust legislation. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam have taken effect from July 1, aiming to expedite justice and address contemporary crimes.

Key features of the new laws include:

– Speedier trials with judgments within 45 days and charges framed within 60 days

– Zero FIR filing at any police station, online complaint registration, and electronic summons

– Mandatory videography of crime scenes for heinous crimes

– Electronic serving of summonses

– Enhanced forensic teams and training

These reforms aim to tackle emerging crimes, while the government hails this move as a significant step towards “speedy justice and justice to all,” opposition parties, including the Congress, have expressed concerns about the hastiness of the implementation, calling for further consultation and review.

The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, has highlighted the significance of these reforms, stating that criminal laws have a profound impact on society’s day-to-day conduct.

As India embarks on this new legal journey, the effective implementation of these laws will be closely watched, and the nation awaits the impact on its justice system.

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