Three criminal laws

Current Context : The three new criminal laws were passed by Parliament in 2023 are effective from 01 July 2024 in the entire country.

ABOUT LAWS :

1. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 replaced Indian Penal Code,1860

• Community services for petty offense such as including attempted suicide to obstruct public servants’ duties.
• Sexual acts against women under section 18 are classified as rape, regardless of consent.
• Terrorist act is defined as a separate offence.

2. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 replaced Criminal Procedure Code, 1973

• Detention of undertrials: Accused detained for half the maximum sentence must be released on bond, except for death penalty or life imprisonment cases, or those with multiple pending charges.
• Signatures and finger impressions: Magistrate of the first class can order an accused person, to give specimen signatures or finger impressions or handwriting or voice samples.

3. Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 replaced Indian Evidence Act, 1872

• Electronic and digital records are granted equal legal status as paper documents.
• Oral evidence comprises all statements, including electronic ones, permitted or required by the Court from witnesses regarding matters under inquiry.