New Criminal Law System to Come Into Force from July 1, 2024

New Criminal Law Codes in India (Effective July 1, 2024)

Three New Laws:

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS): Replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
• Bharatiya Sakshya Act (BSA): Replaces the Indian Evidence Act (IEA)

Key Features:

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS2):

• Retains existing IPC provisions on core crimes.
• Introduces new offences (organized crime, terrorism).
• Includes community service as punishment.
• Defines and penalizes terrorism, organized crime, and mob lynching.
• Raises age of consent in gang rape cases to 18.
• Abolishes sedition, replacing it with provisions against national disunity.
• Increases punishment for negligent deaths.
• Aligns with Supreme Court judgments on adultery and life imprisonment.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS2):

• Stricter bail conditions for serious crimes.
• Easier access to medical examinations for detainees.
• Mandatory forensic examination for serious crimes.
• Collection of fingerprints and voice samples.
• Strict timelines for trials, updates, and charge framing.
• Eliminates distinction between magistrate and metropolitan magistrate courts.

Bharatiya Sakshya Act (BSA2):

• Expands the definition of documents to include electronic records.
• Classifies electronic records as primary evidence.
• Allows electronic testimony (witnesses, accused, victims).
• Grants legal equivalence to electronic and paper records.
• Clarifies rules on joint trials in absentia.